James Vanderbilt’s new film, “Nuremberg,” brings the pivotal Nuremberg trials to the big screen, exploring the moral complexities of justice and accountability after World War II. The film releases in UK cinemas on November 14th and Australian cinemas on December 4th. It sports a killer ensemble with Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, Rami Malek as psychiatrist Douglas Kelley and Michael Shannon as Robert Jackson, the American Supreme Court Justice who was key in the trials.
“Nuremberg” is inspired by Jack El-Hai’s book, “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” that chronicles Kelley’s groundbreaking, in-depth interviews with Göring and other Nazi leaders. Vanderbilt, who wrote the screenplay way back in 2014, has been trying to make the film since at least 2019. He explained that while some may draw parallels to contemporary political situations, his focus is primarily on how the historical events resonate today.
I know you want to exhibit some connective tissue to the present, and I’m not suggesting folks don’t, Vanderbilt stated. “I just think that all good drama speaks to us about where we are now.”
In “Nuremberg,” Crowe plays the charismatic, egotistical – and often charming – Göring, one of the most recognizable of all Nazi leaders. McNair Photographs of Malek by Eric Ogden Malek also plunges into the grueling role of Kelley. Kelley personally spent more than 80 hours analyzing Göring and other top officials before starting the trials themselves. Shannon personifies Jackson, whose legal and moral leadership was instrumental in bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.
The movie’s narrative takes place during the parallel, real-life trials. These trials were largely designed to bring Nazi officials to justice for their war crimes. Perhaps most famously, “Nuremberg” includes a five-minute clip of actual documentary footage taken in concentration camps, footage which was projected during the trials themselves. Although this was a difficult decision, Vanderbilt wanted to include this shocking material to reawaken audiences to the horrors that required the trials.
Michael was brilliant. And we shouldn’t be comfortable going about our daily business all the time, doing our work, either, right? Vanderbilt remarked regarding his cast. He told them not to look at the video footage from the camps before they recorded. In this manner, they would retain a magic imperfection and found quality, like live performances.
Shannon even expressed that this footage should not be included into the film. He considered it sacrilegious to play in front of it. “While I was being filmed watching the footage, I was very uncomfortable with the idea of quote-unquote ‘acting’,” he said. “I didn’t want the camera on me. Something about it seemed kind of profane.”
The movie featured a cast of 300 extras who doubled as courtroom attendees. Their inclusion brings an authentic, palpable vibrancy to the depiction of this important moment in our nation’s history. Crowe has had “Nuremberg” in his sights since 2019, and he’s demonstrated his determination to get this important story on screen.
Malek reflected on the haunting line from Göring: “Hitler made us feel German again,” calling it “shattering in its simplicity.” He was aware that this mood struck a chord with audiences today. It brings into focus the peril of charismatic leadership that can quickly drive whole societies off a cliff.
The danger exists outside of this movie. The danger is all around us, Shannon cautioned. “We are suckers for this charm. It’s going to be our doom, I fear. We’re a nation that wants to be amused before we’re mended. It’s tragic, really.
Vanderbilt strongly and categorically denies any intentional employment of Taylor Swift-esque recent political slogans in “Nuremberg.” He insists that his goal is only historical accuracy, emotional truth—not treating modern-day politics.
The world could use “Nuremberg” right now Anticipation is high for the upcoming release of “Nuremberg. It’s sure to be a profound exploration of justice, morality, and the human ability for both evil and redemption.