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Scripted by veteran writer and playwright Loring Mandel, Conspiracy is not the first motion picture portrayal of the Wannsee Conference, as the 1984 German telemovie Die Wannseekonferenz (a.k.a. The Wannsee Conference), previously depicted the events. However, Conspiracy is the first and only English-language dramatisation of the conference. Indeed, the German characters speak only in English throughout the film, and it is crucial to accept this to become adequately invested in the story. Thankfully, with the production exhibiting a high level of aesthetic authenticity and containing an ensemble of superb actors delivering captivating dialogue, it is easy to accept the English-speaking characters. The only surviving documentation of the conference provided the basis for Mandel's screenplay, though the producers sought additional research and records (including memos, trial transcripts, and speeches) during pre-production. Gaps in the historical record required dramatic interpretation, but the resulting film is highly effective; it is an unnerving, bone-chilling recount that never reeks of Hollywoodisation or sensationalism.
Cinematographer Stephen Goldblatt (Lethal Weapon, The Pelican Brief) captured Conspiracy on 16mm film, resulting in an appreciable sense of visual authenticity and gravitas that belies its made-for-TV origins. Filming on 16mm instead of 35mm was necessitated by the creative decision to shoot the main conference sequence in long takes, with the actors delivering up to twenty pages of dialogue at a time. Thankfully, Goldblatt keeps the proceedings interesting with his cinematographic compositions; the camera never remains static as each shot exhibits movement, no matter how subtle, from typical pans and tilts to slight handheld jerkiness. Fortunately, the camera is never distractingly shaky, and the handheld photography adds a sense of immediacy that enhances the sublime pacing. Director Frank Pierson (writer of Cool Hand Luke and Dog Day Afternoon) and editor Peter Zinner create a fluid, spellbinding rhythm, never dwelling on shots for too long while also ensuring the cutting is never choppy or distractingly rapid-fire. Furthermore, aside from a short musical interlude at the end, there is no music throughout the film, as Pierson relies on the performances, editing and cinematography to maintain interest. In short, Conspiracy is a masterclass on creating an engaging movie that takes place in a single location.
The production's commitment to historical authenticity is commendable, with everything from the uniforms to the set design looking wholly convincing. Director Pierson even staged exterior scenes at the villa where the actual conference took place, and the meeting room represents a faithful recreation of how it looked at the time of the Wannsee Conference. The actors are another high point, with Pierson extracting nuanced performances from the talented ensemble. Although the notion of playing Heydrich was incredibly unsettling for Kenneth Branagh, his performance is nevertheless immaculate, showing a laudable dedication to portraying this horrific SS Officer. Branagh's portrayal of Heydrich appears emotionally detached from the talking points, showing a chilling lack of compunction or remorse while suggesting the genocidal extinction of an entire race. Branagh confidently drives the film with his performance, ensuring that Conspiracy works as well as it does. Other recognisable performers fill the ensemble, with Stanley Tucci, Colin Firth, Ian McNeice and Kevin McNally all making an outstanding impression as members of the Nazi party. (Tom Hiddleston, the future Loki, even has a small background role in his feature film debut.) Tucci is the only American actor here, though he espouses a British accent to match his co-stars. Even though it is difficult to recall names (especially since the names are German), the characters are distinct in appearance and personality, ensuring that you will not become confused about who's who.
With its top-notch ensemble cast, excellent writing, and superb technical presentation, Conspiracy is another magnificent production that demonstrates why HBO television films command a higher level of esteem than their lower-budgeted counterparts. Although the film boils down to a 90-minute conversation as characters discuss unseen events, it's incredibly gripping and disturbing, and it will stay with you for a long time.
9.2/10
