Russell Crowe delivers a commanding performance as Nazi Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring in the new historical drama Nuremberg, marking one of his strongest roles in recent years. The film explores the psychological battles behind the scenes of the infamous Nuremberg trials that began in November 1945.
A Psychological Battle of Wits
The film focuses on the real-life story of US Army psychiatrist Dr Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek, who was ordered to assess the Nazi prisoners' fitness for trial. His primary subject was the portly and pompous Hermann Göring, with Crowe's casting proving remarkably astute. Crowe portrays Göring as a sly and cunning manipulator, expertly engaging in psychological cat-and-mouse games with his American captors.
While Crowe's performance is being hailed as top-notch, Malek's turn as Dr Kelley has drawn significant criticism. His interpretation is described as a deeply silly, eye-rolling performance filled with enigmatic smiles and excessive mannerisms. Critics suggest it resembles an audition for a Mel Brooks parody rather than a serious historical drama.
Strong Supporting Cast Overshadowed
The film features a capable ensemble cast including Leo Woodall as American army translator Howie Triest and Michael Shannon as US chief prosecutor Robert H Jackson. Richard E Grant portrays British Tory MP David Maxwell-Fyfe, who is shown to be crucial in cross-examining the Nazis, notwithstanding his later controversial career as Home Secretary.
Despite the strong efforts of these supporting actors, the central character of Kelley is presented as a ridiculous cartoon, undermining the film's historical gravitas. The screenplay struggles to reconcile Kelley's documented ambition to write a book about the trial with an attempt to frame him as a conventionally decent hero.
Release Dates and Final Verdict
Nuremberg is scheduled for release on 6 November in Australia, 7 November in the US, and 14 November in the UK. The film promises a juicy historical narrative but delivers an uneven experience, elevated by Crowe's compelling performance as one of history's most notorious figures yet hampered by a problematic central portrayal that lacks plausible nuance.
