Review of Downfall (1997) by Matthew M — 17 Aug 2009

Despite his shortcomings as a moral and decent human being (understatement if there ever was one) I have always found Hitler to be a fascinating historical figure. What really drove this man to the point of invasion and execution? We can theorize the "how come" as much as we want, but what ultimately intrigues me more is the final hours of a once proud man who took his own life.

With "Downfall" we are given a glimpse at the final hours of Hitlers life. The final desperate hours of a madmen whose world was quickly caving in on him. Now, this isn't a film based on imagination or possibility.

Instead it is based solely on fact. More specifically its based off a documentary that chronicles the final hours of Hitler's life as seen by his personal secretary. Spending the last few days with Hitler through this narrative is rather depressing as you see a broken man (deservedly so) trying to save face to the point that he is not only turning on his soldiers (seemingly setting them up to die), but also trying to convince his subordinates that the German civilians should die for failing their leader.

This turn of a once charismatic and powerful man is astounding, not only from a character standpoint, but from an acting standpoint as Bruno Ganz delivers a towering performance as he channels Hitler's march to death with such ferociousness.

Granted his physical attributes may not be exact, but Ganz is able to channel the fear and desperation that Hitler's secretary saw in the final hours. Whether it be from sudden bursts of anger, or the desperate wandering of his eyes, Ganz is a revelation.

And really, thats what you get from "Downfall." An extremely detailed and meticulate historical examination of one of the most infamous leaders the world has seen. Yet, there is one shortcoming from "Downfall" and that is the special effects.

The film itself is certainly character driven and the emphasis should be on the characters, but at times the special effects were quite low budget. Now, if you're trying to recreate the chaotic and explosive final hours of Hitler and Berlin, there should atleast be decent special effects which don't take the audience away from the moment.

With that being said, "Downfall" is a solid film with a historical backbone that is very controversial and ultimately depressing as we see the German nation torn to shreds and its leader cowering behind his old promises, only to watch them die.