If you were Adolf Hitler, what would you do before you created your evil empire?
John Cusack’s newest film tells the story of post World War I Germany and Hitler – pre-heinous dictatorship – as an artist.
Hitler, played by Noah Taylor, is a rank and file military man recovering from the woes of World War I, while dabbling in art. Cusack’s character, also a former soldier, is a contemporary art dealer with little interest in Hitler’s modest sketches. His sketches lack the new edge of artists such as Dali or Picasso.
What Cusack’s character, Max Hoffman, and Taylor’s character, Hitler, have in common is their desire to express what happened to them during the war.
Hoffman was an artist before the war, where he lost his arm. Now he must think of alternate ways of expression – besides a paintbrush and canvas.
Along with the visions of art, the viewer peers into the makings of an evil dictator and early political speeches given by Hitler. Hitler, in the movie, operates under the premise, art plus politics equals power.
Taylor gives a convincing and haunting performance in his interpretation of Hitler.
Cusack, typically playing stumbling characters like Lloyd Dobler in Cameron Crowe’s “Say Anything,” also gives a good performance.
Despite the skilled acting performances, the story lacks the attention-grabbing details. Far too often, there is pushed symbolism, foreshadowing and irony of what Hitler will go on to do.
In one scene, Cusack says something to the effect of, “Now, Hitler, don’t you go into politics.” He says it in a slapstick, elbow to the gut, joking manner that takes away from the film’s serious tone.
You can’t help but have a little nervous laughter during this scene. The audience is aware of his later wrath, and it’s strange to see what he may have been like pre-WWII.
On the way out, the buzz among film critics from area newspapers was also not one of positive feedback.
One man remarked, “This will be as big as Barbershop 2.” Whether he’s a friend or a foe to that film, is left open to interpretation.
On various talk shows, such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the Daily Show with John Stewart, Cusack has been very positive about this film directed by Menno Meyjes.
It’s a serious role, with fine acting, but the story just doesn’t sit well.
The film is playing on limited release in NY and LA.
