World War II has proved itself to be a persistent muse. For some reason or another, creative types keep using this particular war as a vehicle to tell their stories. As I write these words there are no fewer than three major motion pictures showing in theaters nationwide that are set during the War (Valkyrie, Defiance, and Good). Remarkable considering that the War ended over fifty years ago.
Adolf Hitler can probably take a good deal of credit for this lasting appeal. The man may be as close as anyone will get to Devil Incarnate, an existential threat to mankind whose defeat justified any and all costs. A single man responsible for the deaths of fifty million human beings and the devastation of the heartland of civilization. Probably the best case to be made against conscientious objection.
Strange then that Hitler appears so infrequently as a main character in popular media. Even Valkyrie, a film about a failed attempt the assassinate the Fuhrer, seems to shy away from giving Adolf too much face time. When will we see a truly compelling portrayal of the most influential figure of the 20th century? Which actor would best play the part?
My first review is coming soon, tomorrow I hope. Probably my thoughts on the 2006 Dutch film Black Book, just to avoid the beaten path as much as possible.
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