Downfall
The most ambitious historical film ever produced, tracking the final days of Hitler’s regime. I can only applaud the filmmakers here honestly. Producing a film about Hitler, let alone his ‘downfall’ is no easy task. Not only do they have to ensure they don’t afford any sympathy to him (and the other Nazis), they have to ensure they don’t portray him as some kind of cartoonish villain either, trivialising his crimes. Hitler was, of course, human and this is what makes him so terrifying, he could be back right now, the question is whether we’d recognise him if he returned.
The various perspectives are incredibly striking and provide a unique depiction of the Battle of Berlin. Bruno Ganz is a powerful actor in the role of Adolf Hitler, having spent 4 months studying for the role. His attention to the small quirks make this one of the most convincing performances of a historical figure I have ever witnessed.
Brilliant juxtaposition between the ground level battle of Berlin and the bunker simultaneously completely detached from the violence on the surface - some incredibly powerful, visceral filmography here. The human cost of Hitler’s refusal to leave Berlin or surrender is so poignant.
The movie excellently captures the chaos of the final days of the battle of Berlin, it is as much a docudrama as it is an ambitious study of Hitler’s psychological state. The filmmakers brilliantly explore the women closest to Hitler as well.
Hitler’s erratic behaviour, even the minor detail of his hand shaking behind his back even when he appears calm, speaks to the attention to detail here. The movie makes you feel as though you are in Berlin at the close of World War 2.