Nuremberg: Straightforward Historical Drama

Adapted from the non-fiction book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist," by Jack El-Hai, and Written & Directed by James Vanderbilt, this film tells the story about the Nuremberg trials in a direct and emotionally-compelling way.  The film starts shortly after the end of WWII.  Millions are outraged about the holocaust and want the important leaders of the Nazi high command that are still alive to punished for their horrible war crimes.  Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert Jackson (Michael Shannon) wants them tried for "Crimes Against Humanity," but there isn't any legal precedents for international war crimes and specifically crimes against humanity.  After considerable effort by Jackson to get Harry Truman to sign off on the idea, the four allies (the U.S., the U.K.,, France and the U.S.S.R.) agree to a trial.  Jackson is to be the primary prosecutor.  If the Nazis are found guilty, they will be hanged.  The trial was lengthy, lasting from November 1945-September  30, 1946. Army psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) is sent to Nuremberg, where five of the Nazi High Command are imprisoned.  Kelley's mission is to determine whether the prisoners are mentally fit to stand trial.  The most important prisoner is the infamous Hermann Goring (Russell Crowe), who was the number two German political figure (after Hitler) and currently number one, since Hitler had committed suicide.  Kelley hopes to determine if there is anything unique about these Nazis that prompted them to commit such heinous acts.  As an added bonus, he hopes to write a bestseller about the Nazis and the trial afterwards. Much of the film involves many sessions between Kelley and Goring, as they get to know each other better.  Kelley's superior officer, Colonel Burton Andrus (John Slattery), places considerable pressure on Kelley to violate doctor-patient confidentiality in order to give Jackson an advantage against Goring during cross examination. The later part of the movie involves the trial, primarily Jackson's cross examination of Goring and how Goring's narcissism eventually is his undoing.  The trial also shows videos of the concentration camps which are difficult to watch.  (How there can be holocaust deniers, which are now increasing every day, is one of the great mysteries of human nature.)  The three leading males all put in excellent performances, but I think there is a good possibility that Crowe will be nominated for an A.A.  He gives a wonderful performance, radiating both power and vulnerability. I saw it last night on Amazon ($20.00), since it is difficult for me to leave the house.  I hope to be able to travel to Europe in the fall, but Nuremberg will not be one of my destinations!