Directed by:
Bryan SingerScreenplay:
Brandon BoyceCinematography:
Newton Thomas SigelComposer:
John OttmanCast:
Ian McKellen, Brad Renfro, Bruce Davison, Elias Koteas, Mickey Cottrell, Joe Morton, Jan Tříska, Michael Byrne, James Karen, Joshua Jackson, Heather McComb (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
After a brief lesson in history class, star pupil Todd Bowden (Brad Renfro) becomes obsessed with Hitler and his followers. Through extensive research, he discovers that the infamous Kurt Dussender (Sir Ian McKellen) has been hiding out, living a normal life in his own neighborhood. But instead of reporting Dussender to the authorities, Todd decides to use him to gain further knowledge...everything that the history books won't tell him. But who ends up using whom, and what happens when a susceptible young mind encounters true evil, leads to a surprising, taught, and unsettling suspense film. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (12)
I haven't read the book by Stephen King, but I'm seriously considering it after that near-perfect two hours. An impressively made psychological thriller about a twisted fascination with the Third Reich that eventually escalates into a real crime. The atmosphere is really thick in places (the shower scene) and that Jan Tříska – he's just a cherry on top. 4.5 stars
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Bryan Singer proved early in his career that he was interested in the subject of Nazism and has been dealing with it in some variation throughout his career, whether it be subtle references in X-Men or Valkyrie. Stephen King's story has been adapted into a form that suits him, thanks mainly to the two actors in the lead roles.
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A perfect movie, which unfortunately lacks the quality of the novella by Stephen King. Thanks to Singer’s precise directing and the excellent acting in the first part of the movie this doesn’t present a problem, but unfortunately it does in the second part. The atmosphere (the absolute peak of which is the chilling scene with forced marching in the living room) of an unorthodox relationship of a pupil and a teacher is spoiled by the classic thriller plot, which we’ve seen hundred times before and will see many more times again.
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I didn't believe it, the psychological foundation of the characters was not strong enough in the context of their development, as well as in the construction and flow of the story. I didn't believe Ian McKellen as a war criminal (even though his march was impressive), I didn't believe Brad Renfro's transformation from a top student to a twisted and vulgar teenager, and the initially suggestive and captivating narration about the gas chambers didn't affect me significantly. Bryan Singer doesn't know how to work with emotions, that's a fact that bothers me in his films, and I don't remember any of his creations enriching me in this regard. Maybe I'm mistaken and I'm just not tuned into his wavelength. Very interesting material, a shocking scene with a veteran in the hospital, and that's about it.
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Singer is the devil! Sensitive themes (homosexuality, neo/Nazism) seem believable and natural when presented by him, meaning that there are no cheap poses of wannabe profound commentary on the subject matter, but rather an absolutely brilliantly crafted story that grabs you and only lets you go when the closing credits roll. Formally, it's incredibly sophisticated (for example, the staircase to the basement of Dussender's house with its red backlighting looks like a descent into hell) and the acting is riveting. Brad Renfro as the inquisitive teenager is great, but Ian McKellen is a demon who is unmatched far and wide. It all culminates in a great ending that will emotionally wring you to the last drop... and you don't even have to cry during it.
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