Review of Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) by Brian S — 21 Jul 2010

Judgment at Nuremberg does not look like an interesting picture on the outside, but it is one of the most wholly encapsulating and thrilling courtroom dramas I have ever seen.

Of course, part of this pays tribute to some marvelous direction and cinematography. Indeed, it?s hard to believe that a cinematographer can make a room full of people sitting and talking so interesting, but that?s what happens with Judgment. And that?s part of what makes it work.

Another part of what makes the film work is the great screenplay. This film has a very compelling story once the audience starts to get into it. And there are a lot of questions of morality and justice that are brought up. Is it right to try to single out certain people and condemning them alone for their acts in the Holocaust? And how much did the German people know of what was happening, and how many of the judges who oversaw cases during that period had a choice in their proceedings?

Great performances complete the package. Of course Spencer Tracey gives a completely intense performance, but he is not alone. The lead defense attorney is portrayed extremely well, and that?s where a lot of the provocative themes from the picture come from. Judy Garland also appears in a surprisingly intense role. I believe that this was the first film I saw her in outside of The Wizard of Oz, and I was not disappointed with her acting in the slightest.

WWII- and Holocaust-themed films have always been a source of Oscar-bait, but this is a film that works no matter the subject matter. Judgment at Nuremberg is just a fine film all around. It has no faults that I can find.

10/10.