Review of Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) by Michael C — 02 Mar 2010
It is rare that a film feels as if it is going to lose me, and then comes back roaring with such a powerful execution in the latter end that it makes me enjoy the movie greatly overall. The first hour to hour and a half of Judgment at Nuremberg is not thrilling.
It is very procedural, slowly unfolding in such a systematic way it feels slightly cold. While I still fault this as a flaw in the film, part of me think Stanley Kramer's direction was intentional to lure the viewer into complacency for the direction the movie takes.
The film details a group of individuals who are involved in the trial of judges who resided over the Nazi regime. Where the film seduces its viewer is how easily it compelled me to take a different side, only to have me change my opinion moments later.
This is a film about flawed people, and the fact that it is about a group of individuals who were a part of horrific crimes makes that clear. But the defense and prosecution are just as flawed. The prosecution is culpable for using propaganda repeatedly to win favor, and the defense attorney (a terrific performance by Maximilian Schell, for which he won an Oscarl) is a man of admirable traits with the difficult task of defending the seemingly undefendable, and rather than make him a perfect man with a hard job, he is a man who crosses the line at times in a way that is undignified and honest.
Spencer Tracy, a classic actor I am not a fervent fan of, really upholds an impression of dignity in this most difficult of situations. He is the everyman who must act as judge in the film, and we feel his conflicts and doubts throughout.
Even when the final verdict is delivered, it is difficult to know if it was truly a victory or failure. Adding to the power is inspired directing by Stanley Kramer. Great framing, terrific zooming and tracking that gives the movie a kinetic power as the film progresses, and an overall knowledge of how to shoot a film effectively is evident throughout.
Kramer made a career out of taking difficult subjects and dissecting them intensely and this is a great example of his skill in that.
This review of Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) was written by Michael C on 02 Mar 2010.
Judgment at Nuremberg has generally received very positive reviews.
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