Downfall
takes you into Hitler’s bunker during the brutal and harrowing
last days of the Third Reich. Seen through the eyes of Hitler’s
infamous secretary Traudl Junge (Alexandra Maria Lara), optimism
crumbles into grim realization and terror as it becomes clear that
Germany’s defeat is inevitable. As the Russian army circles the
city, the dimly lit halls of the underground refuge become an
execution chamber for the Fuhrer (Bruno Ganz) and his closest
advisors.
CRITIQUE
After making The
Experiment, which tells the story of 20 male participants who are
hired to play prisoners and guards in a two-week experiment, director
Oliver Hirschbiegel set his sights on Downfall, written for the
screen and adapted from documented source material by
writer/director/producer Bernd Eichinger, the equivalent of Jerry
Bruckheimer of German producers, one could argue. The script feels
historically authentic and very well researched, culled from at least
two books, one about Hitler the other about his secretary. While some
critics disliked the idea of only focusing on Hitler's last few days
in Berlin and not mention his atrocities throughout the war, I say
this is a different movie.
Here we see the
psychological disintegration of the Fuhrer, played by Bruno Ganz, as
he commands his advisors to move the severely dilapidated German army
around to fight off the invading Russian army on their way to Berlin.
There are several scenes like these throughout the movie and in some
Hitler shouts orders to have those military leaders who question him
(common sense does not prevail) executed for treason. Ganz's
performance is deeply chilling during those scenes and in my opinion
his is the most accurate and serious depiction of Hitler's character
ever put to film. There are some quiet scenes where Hitler eerily
comes off as a common person with a calm voice.
Downfall doesn't
focus on Hitler exclusively, however. There are many supporting
characters who are interesting to watch and played excellently by a
terrific cast of some of Germany's finest character actors. In terms
of production, the movie is epic in every sense of the word. The
exterior battle scenes on the Berlin streets, especially at night,
play out terrifyingly realistic. Director Oliver Hirschbiegel crafts
an impressive movie with awesome teamwork from the production
designer, director of cinematography, costume designer, make-up
artists, prop masters, etc. The editing, music and select special
effects shots are also terrific. Downfall was nominated for
Best Foreign Language Film at this year's Oscars, but it lost to
The Sea Inside, which is too bad.
THE VIDEO
Sony
presents Downfall in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Sharp
picture, great colors and nearly flawless print quality.
THE AUDIO
Sony
presents Downfall in German Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.
Dialogue is presented clearly free of noise and the many instrumental
sound effects are strongly reinforced by the rear speakers. The
English subtitles are not optional but burnt into the picture, which I
didn't expect.
THE EXTRAS
The audio
commentary by director Oliver Hirschbiegel is insightful and
interesting, although he says he did not prepare any notes for the
discussion; in the end he probably could’ve used some notes but
overall he describes the movie and production quite well.
The Making of
Downfall
(58:29) is presented in non-anamorphic widescreen, but that’s not the
worst part about the documentary. Since this doc is heavily supported
by cast and crew interviews, it is important to have title cards
introduce each person, but here they are completely omitted, which is
a big mistake. I could guess some of these people, like the director
and producer, and obviously the major actor like Bruno Ganz, but I was
lost on the identity of the other interview subjects. As far as the
documentary goes, it’s pretty interesting as it analyzes the movie in
terms of the production and location, and the story and the
characters. It’s presented in German with English subtitles.
Next are a series
of Interviews presented in anamorphic widescreen with the
following people: Director Oliver Hirschbiegel (4:05), author
Melissa Müller (8:21) who speaks of her encounter with Traudl
Junge, and actors Bruno Ganz (6:18), Alexandra Maria Lara (1:42), and Juliane Kohler (2:27) who plays Eva Braun.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Downfall
is a powerful movie. The extras are pretty good as is the video/audio
presentation. Overall, this DVD comes recommended.
