How do we know the holocaust really existed? What are the proofs of the existence of gas chambers? The American historian Deborah Lipstadt is unluckily confronted with these questions when David Irving, a self-proclaimed English historian specialist in Nazi Germany, files a libel lawsuit against her and her publisher for declaring him a Holocaust denier in her books. Then, she and her team have the difficult task to prove that Irving has voluntarily twisted facts in order to support his revisionist theory.

This historical trial stirred up passions. Thus, it was logical to end up making a film. Irving’s character is unique in his arrogance and his ability to elaborate his speech in order to mock his opponents. He is a delight for the media and a true misfortune for the defence. Fortunately, Deborah Lipstadt’s team is not outdone. Antony Julius, her solicitor advocate, is seen as the Junkyard Dog of England. He orchestrated the divorce of Diana, Princess of Wales. As well, many historians and lawyers join their team, such as the professor Richard Evans, an eminent specialist of the Third Reich.

However, the axis of the defence is quite risky as neither Deborah Lipstadt nor witnesses of the holocaust will testify. The important thing is that the trial always remains the one of Irving’s and never becomes the one of the Holocaust.

If this film, directed by Mick Jackson, is marked by some slowness, the suspense remains until the end. So if you were completely ignorant about this trial, it is difficult to guess the judge’s final decision. Moreover, the cast is outstanding: Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall, Andrew Scott, Mark Gatiss, John Sessions and many others. All of them are brilliant in their interpretation. It undoubtedly helps to make the narrative so fluent and subtle.

Timothy Spall brilliantly plays David Irving. Although his character is perfectly odious and antipathetic in his remarks as well as in his methods, his great qualities of speaker confer him a power on the audience and the opposition. Timothy Spall perfectly transmits this strange mixture, and emphasises with sincerity the pride and the vanity with which Irving is filled up.

Rachel Weisz’s interpretation of Deborah Lipstadt is very natural and sincere. Her battle is not only a battle against Irving but also against her own team and herself. Difficult not to sympathise with her when she appears powerless and lost in front of a team of over-trained lawyers and historians or when she tries to convince them to allow victims of the holocaust to testify.

Andrew Scott is as usual impeccable in his role. He plays a very coldblooded lawyer whose deeper motivations are not entirely clear. Does he help Deborah Lipstatd with real empathy or for his own glory? It is probably what makes the charm of the character, though. It is also through him that the greatest questions come. He is to some extent the voice of justice. But justice, even though made by humans, is not always human. The finer feelings do not always have their place in a trial and pragmatism must take precedence. This is the lesson Julius tries to give to Lipstadt.

The profession of a historian is also highlighted in this film. The character of professor Richard Evans (played by John Sessions) seems to draw a guideline of what a historian should be and of their responsibilities. With him you will discover that the important thing is not the questions, which one asks but what one makes of the answers. This is the essence of the trial. Is David Irving a manipulator? Or is he sincerely convinced of what he says? Could his interpretation of the facts be really free from any intellectual dishonesty?

Video courtesy of: Bleecker Street

Director: Mick Jackson

Writers: David Hare (screenplay), Deborah Lipstadt (based on the book “History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier” by)

Stars: Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson, Timothy Spall

Carine Belmont
Latest posts by Carine Belmont (see all)