Review of Hannah Arendt (2012) by Morgan Y — 11 Sep 2012

Sparse documentary footage of the historical Eichmann trial in Israel is cut perfectly into a moving tribute to Mrs. Arendt, played by Barbara Sukowa, a powerful pure thinker whose bravery is beautifully matched by the film-makers whose discipline to a turning point in history runs the length of the film.

After the showing at #TIFF12, von Trotta answered audience questions, including one about source footage. Making an important distinction between employing a 'brilliant' actor to portray Eichmann and using pure footage, she pointed out the stupidity of the man on film.

Eichmann's bureaucratic language underpins much of Hannah's anger and revelation, who in recognizing "the banality of evil" in the man, sees the crimes against humanity it made possible, not just in Germany, but the world.