Review of Denial (2016) by Spangle — 15 Oct 2016

A film told impassionately and emotionally, Denial from director Mick Jackson is an important film exposing "historian" David Irving for the liar, anti-semite, xenophobe, and sexist, that he truly is and expresses in his writing. Though the ending may be obvious, the final verdict of the film is not without tension and power, as the film still manages to create the proper impact of the moment. Yet, Denial is held back from being better for being very much typical in regards to both Holocaust and courtroom films. Operating within the confines of its true story, Denial is relegated to filling in the gaps between its courtroom scenes with prototypical courtroom drama interactions, as well as classic moments from better Holocaust movies. My tears and emotion over the Holocaust were present for sure, but the film never really built on anything that past films have not already dissected.

Yet, in spite of its typical nature, Denial still feels powerful. A court case about proving the Holocaust and honoring the deceased and the survivors, it is a film with inherent emotional prowess. Mick Jackson brings this element to life in the film and really showcases just how impactful this case is, regardless of which way the verdict goes. Should the judge rule in favor of Irving (Timothy Spall) or in favor of Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz), the ramifications of the case will be far reaching and could, honestly, change the past. It is through the importance and significance that the film finds its success. Riding on its impassioned telling of the story, Denial rises above its cliches and becomes a thoroughly riveting and moving experience.

This element is most certainly bolstered by the acting. Rachel Weisz is limited in her lead role, yet still brings the good with an emotional performance. Her overt passion shines through and ignites the same passion within the viewer. Her lawyer, Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson), has the same passion, yet far more subtle. It is only later in the film that we realize how deeply this case has impacted him to a similar degree as Lipstadt. Wilkinson does a brilliant job bringing this element to life with a typically great performance. As Irving, Timothy Spall is tremendous. He brings Irving and everything about him to the viewer with the end result that you despise him. Spall, though in a vile role, is brilliant. From his non-verbals to the nonchalant delivery of incendiary commentary.

While its cliches stand as its biggest faults, Denial also does feature a decent amount of filler at times, as well as oddly chosen courtroom scenes. Though powerful, there is very little actual proving of the Holocaust and far name calling of Irving. He may be wrong, but it takes a few court scenes for the film to actually showcase his falsehoods. That said, the courtroom scenes are still powerful, but a little left of center initially before focusing in on the important moments.

Overall, Denial is passionate and filled with rage towards deniers. It is this powerful approach that elevates it above its cliches and filler to deliver a solid and thoroughly entertaining, yet poignant film with absolutely stellar performances.