Max
Hitler, murderer of 6 million Jewish Europeans. Hitler, historical symbol of racial intolerance and hatred. Hitler, one ugly bastard. Hitler, a would-be artist. Yeah, that's right! Years before starting WWII, Adolf Hitler enjoyed painting in addition to being a corporal in the German army. A new independent film, Max, chronicles the relationship between a younger Hitler and an art gallery owner.
Leading man John Cusack (who also co-produced the film) stars as Max Rothman, a one-armed art dealer living in Germany in 1918. One night, Corporal Hitler from the German army shows up at his door with some original artwork. Max recognizes true potential in the soldier's work and wants to help him develop as an artist.
Meanwhile, the soldier/artist, Hitler, is digesting some sick ideas regarding the presence of Jews in Germany. Seeing how Jews preserve "the purity of their blood" by breeding strictly amongst themselves, Hitler begins believing that Aryans should also protect their genetic integrity by ridding themselves of the neighboring Jews. Hitler makes loud, boisterous public speeches, one of which Max witnesses. The art dealer then encourages Hitler to channel his energy into art rather than politics. Will Max succeed? If you can't answer that question before seeing this movie, try to stay awake during World History class.
Which is worse, a brilliant but forgotten performance or an ignored performance that is simply top-notch? Noah Taylor (Almost Famous) is perfectly cast as Hitler, playing him as a serious yet impressionable soldier who avoids personal vices. It is chilling to watch Taylor's face as his character absorbs anti-Semitic rhetoric and then repeats it to anyone who will listen. Taylor's portrayal doesn't show Hitler's peak despicability, but you can easily match his personal characteristics and opinions at age 30 to his historical actions twenty years later.
The screenwriters set up Max and Hitler as complete opposites who share only one thing: their appreciation of fine art. Even their taste in art is different; Max deals in modern art, and Hitler prefers more traditional paintings. I reiterate that Hitler avoided alcohol, nicotine, meat, or any other kind of fun. On the other hand, Max smokes, drinks, and keeps mistresses. Interestingly, despite his self-discipline, Hitler will be forever known as the most evil man ever born. This movie's viewers will know Max, despite his partaking of several vices, as the guy who almost prevented an attempted genocide.
There is an example of dramatic irony in Max that was masterfully done. Max introduces Hitler to his friend George Grosz. The following is the gist of the following conversation between Max and George: George: Who is he?
Max: His name is Hitler.
George: I've never heard of him.
Max: You will.
When I first heard about Max, I thought it was going to be a good movie, but I underestimated it big-time. The ending just blew my mind away. Regardless of Max's degree of historical accuracy, this movie made me think "What if . . .?" Indeed, what if . . .?
Send any comments/ feedback to the author.
Hitler would not drink alcohol. Chug a beer or two to spite him.
Max has one or two mistresses, which doesn't further issues of fidelity. If anything, this film might trigger guilty consciences.
Buy this film from Amazon.com
Buy This Original Poster At AllPosters.com
Buy This Poster At AllPosters.com
Related Articles:
1) Say Anything
2) Better Off Dead
3) High Fidelity
4) Grosse Pointe Blank
5) Top 10 Hottest Actors
