James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg revisits the postwar trials with commanding performances—particularly from Russell Crowe—even as its restrained visual style keeps the historical drama from reaching its full cinematic force.
Director and screenwriter James Vanderbilt who wrote the film Zodiac (2007), The Amazing Spider-Man (2022), now spotlights on an event in history – that of the infamous post-World War II trial of Nazi war criminals that took place at Nuremberg. Calling his film Nuremberg, he presents a gripping, yet uneven historical drama based on the trial. There was an earlier film made in 1961, Judgment at Nuremberg, an American epic legal drama film directed and produced by Stanley Kramer, and written by Abby Mann, and had actors like Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Marlene Dietrich, and Judy Garland to name a few. But this film aims to capture the moral and legal reckonings of history, sadly, oscillates between moments of raw emotional intensity and a somewhat ordinary visual style that undermines its potential.
The film falls flat on the direction, but the narrative is strong with a focus on the moral complexities and historical weight inherent in the subject matter. But the direction often feels restrained, which sometimes results in a slower pace that diminishes the building tension necessary for a courtroom drama of this magnitude.
What carries the film are the powerful performances by actors like Russell Crowe delivering a powerhouse performance as Hermann Göring, one of the most compelling aspects of the film. His portrayal is deeply nuanced, embodying Göring’s contradictory nature, equal parts menacing, charismatic, and vulnerable. Crowe’s commitment to authenticity is notable, especially in his use of the German language, which adds a chilling realism and depth to his character. The courtroom scenes, where Crowe’s Göring oscillates between defiance and cunning manipulation, stand out as the film’s emotional and dramatic high points.
Another key actor is Rami Malek, playing Dr. Kelley, complements Crowe’s intensity with a quieter, yet equally absorbing, performance. Malek’s subtle expressions and moments of contemplative listening lend the film moments of introspective clarity amidst the courtroom tension.
Although this film is vying for the top prize of the golden toad, the cinematography fails to elevate the narrative. The choice of camera angles and lighting tends to favour a flat, documentary-like approach rather than embracing a vivid or dynamic aesthetic.
Nuremberg is driven primarily by strong acting performances, especially Crowe’s intense portrayal, but its technical execution in cinematography and editing holds it back from being a fully captivating cinematic experience. The film does offer powerful moments and historical insights despite these shortcomings, making it both a noteworthy and imperfect portrayal of a pivotal historical event. This film holds its appeal for history and historical drama aficionados.
