Video Americain

Review

Volker Schlondorff’s The Ninth Day showcases Ulrich Matthes tortured performance as Catholic priest Henri Kremer in the grip of Nazism. Matthes, who played Joseph Goebbels in Downfall, is here cast in the opposite role as victim/pawn of the Third Reich. His gaunt, haunted look is iconic of the suffering endured by countless masses during the Holocaust. Father Kremer is asked to help get the Vatican to endorse the Nazi regime by a disarmingly handsome and erudite gestapo lieutenant Gebhardt (August Diehl). Imprisoned in Dachau, Kremer is released temporarily to visit his family and the Gestapo. The Dachau scenes are monochromatic German expressionism, shot powerfully with handheld cameras helping to avoid death camp scenario cliches. Kramer’s conscience is examined painstakingly throughout the film, revealing the tension that propels him to his decision. Water, or lack of, appears as a metaphoric signifier, echoing emotions and meanings. Schlondorff masterfully weaves all elements of the story to deliver a magnificent portrayal of a mere man who thinks there is nothing more beautiful than to be faithful to one’s self.

 -- Max Brinck