‘Nuremberg’ succeeds based on subtle, intense performances of Russell Crowe, Rami Malek

“Nuremberg,” despite its post-World War II setting, is a film firmly of the moment and that may be its primary flaw.

For a film that features two memorable performances from Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, that’s disappointing because the subject matter is fascinating in itself.

Director-writer James Vanderbilt has crafted an immersive picture not laced with tons of action, but one strengthened by nuance, emotional depth and psychological parrying between the film’s two leads – Hermann Goering (Crowe), the named successor of Adolf Hitler and his psychiatrist Douglas Kenney (Malek), the army doctor assigned to determine whether those high-ranking Nazi officers were mentally competent to stand trial. Popular belief at the time dictated that sane individuals could not have possibly committed the atrocities – killing six million Jews in the Holocaust in particular – that the Third Reich ultimately did.

Kelley found in some cases mental health issues may have indeed existed. However, in Goering he discovered something more – a man with close to genius level I.Q. who was narcissistic, egocentric and fully in control of his ability to make decisions with respect to the Nazi regime, acquiescing to the orders of Hitler and condoning them.

He does so through their conversations which make it particularly difficult to not be charmed by Goering and his flattery. In return, Kelley, until being replaced by another psychologist (Colin Hanks) after his commanding officer believes he’s getting too close to his patient, receives information for use by the prosecution led by Supreme Court justice Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon of “Man of Steel”).

The intrigue in “Nuremberg” comes in watching Crowe and Malek play off one another, initially feeling each other out to learn what it is the other is after. That initial period evolves for a time into genuine friendship between the men, the reason for Kelley being replaced, but eventually reality that Goering is a manipulative monster who is absolutely capable of the heinous acts that ultimately led to his conviction at the Nuremberg trials reveals itself.

Rami Malek, left, and Russell Crowe star in “Nuremberg.”

The film could have worked with the right two actors in these respective roles, but as presented here, it’s difficult to see those other actors might be. Crowe seduces and Malek’s Kelley – blinded by the possibility of a book deal and breaking ground in his field – is willing to be seduced until the obvious truth of who Goering is overcomes his naivete.

In one respect, he does break ground hypothesizing that sane individuals are quite capable of committing heinous acts, a point that Vanderbilt is willing to take dramatic license near the movie’s end to make, a choice that is relevant, but at the same times seems to be a case in stating the obvious.

Does it diminish the film as a whole? Certainly not, as there have been serial murderers deemed insane as have assorted other world leaders who committed other atrocities.

The film ultimately succeeds based the relationship and in other instances some court intrigue where Shannon excels as Jackson, a man trying to do what’s right while establishing international case law, a feat that’s not easy and though technical is still revelatory.

“Nuremberg” proves to be a fascinating character study led by several strong performances and Vanderbilt’s capable hand.

George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.