‘Nuremberg’ is More Than a Historical Epic — It’s a Timely Warning
Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Rami Malek star in this compelling portrayal of the famous Nazi trials. The World War II drama Nuremberg is director James Vanderbilt’s adaptation of Jack El-Hai’s book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist.
Malek and Crowe lead a talented ensemble cast in this traditional, large-scale production. The film recounts the Nuremberg Trials, where an international court prosecuted surviving Nazi officers responsible for the murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust.
Released eighty years later, the film’s timing feels deliberate as politicians and voters engage in disturbing debates over what counts as neo-Nazi symbols, phrases, and dog whistles.
This story has been depicted before, notably in the Oscar-winning 1961 film Judgment at Nuremberg, starring Spencer Tracy. Vanderbilt’s version embraces a classic studio-style approach, which some viewers may find slow or old-fashioned.
Key Performance Highlights
The film’s driving force is the intense exchange between psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek, and Hermann Göring, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Göring was Hitler’s second-in-command, and Kelley’s role is to assess if these men are mentally fit to stand trial.
“Eighty years later, with politicians and voters playing repugnant games about what constitutes neo-Nazi symbols, phrases, and dog whistles, the timing of this film’s release feels intentional.”
“What propels the heavy narrative is the series of two-hander scenes between psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek) and the incarcerated Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s second in command.”
Film Style and Narrative
Vanderbilt’s film captures the procedural nature of the trials, emphasizing dialogue and psychological examination over action, appealing particularly to those who appreciate films focused on process and legal drama.
The film serves not only as a historical recount but also as a cautionary tale for contemporary society, reminding viewers of the dangers posed by rising extremist ideologies.
Author’s Summary
This film blends a classic courtroom drama with urgent relevance, spotlighting the echoes of past horrors amid today’s political climate.