The Zone of Interest. It’s probably impossible to make a ‘normal’ film about the Holocaust, and that is perhaps for the best. Set largely in the domestic bliss of Rudolf Höss’ house, situated next to Auschwitz, the film possesses a disconcertingly accurate visual design, and is an exacting depiction of its time and place. Höss, who reached the peak of his career as commandant of Auschwitz, is depicted superbly by Christian Friedel, and the whole film is forensically, perhaps even painfully, detailed.
Glazer’s choice to stick closer to the historical record, rather than the book’s fancy, is a good one, and barring one particularly stupid moment, the film is exceptional. The direction and composition are incredible. The sound design, and unbelievable juxtaposition of a home literally the other side of a wall to a concentration camp, is beyond something I could imagine.
Some people say that the Nazis’ evil has become mythologised, and that you need to understand their personal lives in order to empathise or sympathise with them. Personally, I find their personal lives indict them even more than simply caricaturing them all as totally and irredeemably evil.
The Bad Guys. A fairly standard story, elevated by some solid animation and voice work.
