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rdschaffer
Reviews
Max (2002)
John Cusack scores a tour de force in his role as Max
An interesting premise. A beautifully shot film. The modern decor of the Rothman home is quite special. I wasn't quite sure where the film was going, but when it ended, I was satisfied with the abruptness. The young man who played Hitler seemed particularly unattractive, but nonetheless fascinating. This is a thoughtful film and could lead to an interesting post-viewing discussion. The juxtaposition of post WWI poverty with the wealth of the better-situated is striking. The constant smoking of Cusack annoyed me (for I, like Hitler, detested a smoker). The director, who also scripted the film, makes wonderful use of long shots and dramatic pauses . . . silence. Hitler's furious frustration with himself is unnerving. There are many levels of abstraction in this film which make it something more than just a story. It's certainly a study of moral behavior functioning and malfunctioning.