Skipping over Hitler's time in prison, this goes right to his determination to become a German citizen and Chancellor under President Hindenburg (Peter O'Toole), as well his driving his knees to Suicide over his controlling her and his meeting Eva Braun. The performance of Robert Carlyle isn't convincing to me at all, his Cockney accent really distracting and at times, resembling Steve Buscemi. O'Toole however is excellent as Hindenburg, insisting that he will never make Hitler Chancellor because he would have to answer to God for such a mistake. It's obvious that there are two camps in Germany at this time, those pro-Hitler (a growing number) and those who along with Hindenburg see him for who he is. When O'Toole declares he does not want to see his presidency end in anarchy, the viewer can't help but become depressed, knowing what happens.
Once again, details of the facts are sketchy here, and it's debatable how much is changed for dramatic effect. One thing is clear however. Carlyle was not a good choice for the role. The physical details of the production however remain strong, and in that detail, the film gets it right. But if you are going to document a serious moment in history (and one that can be debated with evidence from newsreels, radio broadcasts and newspaper reports of the time), you better get it right, especially since the entire world was impacted by his being made president. This is basically equivalent to a Wikipedia summary of the time, and thuss it ends with a disappointment.
Once again, details of the facts are sketchy here, and it's debatable how much is changed for dramatic effect. One thing is clear however. Carlyle was not a good choice for the role. The physical details of the production however remain strong, and in that detail, the film gets it right. But if you are going to document a serious moment in history (and one that can be debated with evidence from newsreels, radio broadcasts and newspaper reports of the time), you better get it right, especially since the entire world was impacted by his being made president. This is basically equivalent to a Wikipedia summary of the time, and thuss it ends with a disappointment.
