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Based upon the final confession of Adolf Eichmann, made before his execution in Israel as he accounts to Captain Avner Less, a young Israeli Police Officer, of his past as the architect of Hitler's plan for the "final solution." Captured by intelligence operatives in Argentina, 15 years after World War II, Eichmann (Kretschmann), the World's most wanted man, must be broken down and the truth unveiled. As the world waits, two men must confront each other in a battle of wills - the result of which will change a nation forever.
Thomas Kretschmann: Adolf Eichmann
Eichmann(2007); The film depiction of Adolf Eichmann directed by Robert Young and formulated from writer Snoo Wilson. The project is particularly siding and at times quite pro-Israeli yet at times it duly shows Israel brandishing a need and thirst for justice(or is it hatred?) towards a singular man. The man in question perspectively responsible for the deaths of Jews in the execution of the Final Solution for Hitler's Third Reich. Eichmann shows us Adolf Eichmann as a cunning, dubious, intelligent, charismatic man whom has been abandoned and more or less subjugated to the role of monster.
My main interest for viewing Eichmann apart from an historical insight was admittedly surrounding the inclusion of Thomas Kretschmann whom I always adore watching in his numerous film outings; Eichmann for me was another success for him in terms of acting and changing his appearance and persona to match that of Eichmann whom he portrays wonderfully.
In terms of cinematic reference the film Eichmann can be at times sickly in terms of it's stance and one sided nature. The cinematography is conveyed effectively and successfully from Michael Connor. Original music from Richard Harvey elevates the piece emotionally lacing passionate and crucial scenes with levity and panache.
The cast is littered with varied talents from the acting world; Stephen Fry, Troy Garity and Franka Potente all add their respective talents to their roles and give the film a professional lingering resonance.
Most notably Eichmann boils down to being a battle of wits between interrogator Avner Less (Troy Garity) and Eichmann. Yet it also serves up useful political stances on argument, following orders and what exactly guilty elaborates in being. The defense of Eichmann never truly is shown frequently in helping him yet Eichmann deflects numerous allegations thrown at him from his interrogator.
Interestingly, the film shows us the life and family of Avner Less, and the effect the interrogating of Eichmann has upon him and of his wife and family. So how does Eichmann try to win us over in sympathy for either party? The signed list containing Avner's father whom were sent to a death camp perhaps. Eichmann's sons and wife cruelly deprived of their father. The secrecy between Avner and his wife regarding the case.
It all goes to great lengths to ensure we ultimately side with Avner and Israel yet if you scratch deeper past the surface and contemplate the bigger picture you can make your own assumptions. The wonder of Israel perhaps becoming similar to the National Socialists they so adamantly despise in their actions.
I especially was enthralled with the film showing Eichmann's past in which he is a key positioned officer and confident of Hitler's Third Reich. Adolf Eichmann a lover of beautiful women; He is a womaniser, an adorer of expensive gifts, rings and a loyal officer to his department. Eichmann shows us signing documents concerning the final solution, concerning the transports for Jewish workers to Concentration camps and it shows him ordering the killing of Jews. It always seems clear that the film is trying so hard to brand this man as a liar and a monster. When we see him shooting a baby in his office because a rich lady companion ushers him to do so, do we think of him as a monster?
Ultimately, Thomas Kretschmann gives a revelation of a performance which is layered and bountiful in it's gradualness; He successfully portrays Eichmann with depth and elegant poise. Eichmann conveys a tragedy and pivotal part of modern history in the guise of smooth, storytelling cinema with a polished feel of professionalism.
''...But they were Jews.''
8/10
