'Denial' Review- The Holocaust On Trial
This film came out in 2016.
Denial is a historical film directed by Mick Jackson. It is based on a book by Deborah Lipstadt who came face to face with a Holocaust denier with David Hare handling the screenplay.
Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) is an American professor who has studied the Holocaust extensively. She is sued for defamation by David Irving (Timothy Spall) after she calls him a Holocaust denier in her writings. In England, the burden of proof rests on the defendant in defamation cases. With the help of her attorneys Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson) and Anthony Julius (Andrew Scott), they set out to prove Irving is lying about the events of the Second World War.
The cast is amazing. Everyone puts their best foot forward to tell the story of this courtroom event that changed history or perhaps confirmed it.
Weisz does an amazing job as Lipstadt showing her dedication to the truth and her pursuit of it. She embodies the role and you feel connected with her throughout the plot.
Likewise, Spall is as mesmerizing as Irving. He portrays the self-proclaimed historian with a visceral distaste for his fellow man. At times, you are also connected with him as he seems to be a man who goes against the grain, but you soon learn that he has a sinister side that exposes his foul beliefs.
At times, the movie does linger a bit too long on certain scenes, such as when they are planning legal strategy. Granted, this is a legal thriller, but some of the screen time could have been better utilized in the courtroom or with Irving so we get a better grasp on him. Also, I noticed they used a lot of American legal terms for this very British flick. That might be a bit nitpicky, but it is worth noting.
That being said, this is a compelling story. It is hard to believe that people who deny the Holocaust still exist, but they do and this biopic tells of an epic conflict with one. It made for a strong courtroom drama about the truth and its importance. We see how one group wants to affirm the truth while one man wants to deny it.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the score by Howard Shore. His talent has graced certain films like The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Seven, and The Departed. He gives us another amazing soundtrack with this movie and it truly complements the events on screen. His work is brilliant and it shows with this movie.
Bottom line, Denial is a compelling courtroom biopic that explores one woman’s search for the truth and the man who wants to deny it.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Distressing conversations, Disturbing images
FAVORITE QUOTE: Do you have any idea how hard it is to hand over your conscience to somebody else?
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, anime, movie, or novel you would like me to review.