Hermann Göring is fervently portrayed by Russell Crowe in the production titled "Nuremberg"
The film "Nuremberg," directed by James Vanderbilt, made its debut at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The APA, the largest national news and press agency in Austria, provided coverage for the event.
In this riveting drama, Russell Crowe portrays Hermann Goering, one of the leading Nazis on trial, while Rami Malek stars as Douglas Kelley, a U.S. military psychiatrist tasked with evaluating Goering's mental competency for the trials. Kelley, intrigued by Goering's personality, delves deep into the psyche of the notorious Nazi leader.
The dynamic between Kelley and Goering echoes the intense duels of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling from "The Silence of the Lambs." However, Vanderbilt avoids heavy-handed lectures and sentimental clichés, instead focusing on the mechanisms behind the scenes of the Nuremberg trials.
Andreas Pietschmann takes on the role of Rudolf Hess, and Peter Jordan portrays Karl Doenitz. The cast also includes newcomer Leo Woodall, who plays an interpreter, and Michael Shannon delivers an intense performance as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson.
Russell Crowe learned German and spoke English with a heavy accent for the film, immersing himself in the character of Goering. His portrayal is a balance between monster and man, charismatic, arrogant, and always seeking control.
The film maintains suspense without glossing over the horrors of Nazi atrocities. Kelley's insights suggest that the leading Nazis are not psychopathic "monsters" but possess a mix of intelligence, ambition, and seemingly normal character traits. This mix of traits makes the Nazis portrayed in the film all the more dangerous.
"Nuremberg" is based on Jack El-Hai's book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist." The film premiered at TIFF, offering audiences a gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in history.
