Russell Crowe and Rami Malek Face Off in Historical Thriller ‘Nuremberg’

Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Rami Malek star in the gripping historical drama Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt. The film chronicles the efforts to hold Nazi leaders accountable following World War II, specifically during the Nuremberg Trials. It will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2024.

Set in 1945, the narrative unfolds as the Allies apprehend key figures within the Nazi regime, including the notorious Hermann Göring, portrayed by Crowe. Malek plays U.S. Lt. Colonel Douglas Kelley, an army psychiatrist tasked with evaluating the Nazi captives. Kelley views this assignment as an opportunity to understand the nature of evil and aims to pen a bestseller based on his experiences.

The film’s ensemble cast features notable actors such as Michael Shannon as Robert H. Jackson, the U.S. Supreme Court justice heading the international tribunal, and Richard E. Grant as Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, one of the prosecuting counsels. Recently, Sony Pictures Classics acquired the North American distribution rights to the film, which is based on Jack El-Hai’s 2013 non-fiction book, *The Nazi and the Psychiatrist*.

Exploring the Dynamics of Justice and Evil

In the film, Jackson believes in providing even the most infamous criminals a fair trial. His primary challenge is to elicit Göring’s true nature during public proceedings. To achieve this, Jackson and Kelley must navigate the complexities of Göring’s personality, tapping into his narcissism to gain his trust. As Vanderbilt puts it, while the war may have ended, the psychological battle is just beginning.

Vanderbilt, whose previous work includes screenwriting credits for *Zodiac* and *White House Down*, expressed his fascination with the story’s potential. He discovered El-Hai’s work through an article that piqued his interest in the psychiatric aspects of the trials, leading him to recognize a compelling cinematic narrative.

“I didn’t know there were psychiatrists in World War II,” Vanderbilt stated. “It felt like such an amazing way into it. This is absolutely a movie!”

The director emphasized the importance of balancing entertainment with the gravity of the subject matter. He aims to create a thriller that not only captivates audiences but also respects the historical context. Drawing inspiration from films like *The Silence of the Lambs*, Vanderbilt crafted scenes that showcase the psychological duel between Kelley and Göring, heightening the tension of their interactions.

Building Authenticity through Research

To ensure historical accuracy, Vanderbilt collaborated with esteemed advisors like Michael Berenbaum, a Holocaust scholar who helped establish the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. He dedicated a year to research, immersing himself in the complexities of post-war Europe.

Rebuilding the Nuremberg courtroom for filming was a crucial aspect of the production. The set was designed to mirror the original courtroom closely, even replicating the ceiling and light fixtures. Vanderbilt and his team aimed to create an authentic environment that would immerse actors in the historical setting.

Shooting for the film took place in Hungary, where Vanderbilt and his crew recreated significant locations. One pivotal scene, depicting a Nazi rally, was filmed on a cold, rainy night, emphasizing the logistical challenges of capturing such monumental moments in history.

Despite the serious themes, Vanderbilt found joy in the filmmaking process. He praised the talented cast, noting the unique energy each actor brought to their roles. “I like to take the work seriously; I don’t like to take myself seriously,” he remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the production.

As excitement builds for the premiere at TIFF, Vanderbilt expressed gratitude for the opportunity to tell this important story. He hopes audiences will engage with the film’s emotional depth and historical significance, ensuring the lessons of the past remain relevant.

With Nuremberg, Vanderbilt aims to honor the memory of those affected by the Holocaust while providing a thrilling cinematic experience that resonates with contemporary viewers.