This movie is a fine adaptation of Albert Speer's autobiography of the same name. It is at its best when showing us the vicious backstabbing and tawdry competition among Hitler's top men. Speer walks among these power-hungry vipers like an aristocrat among peasants; indeed, the movie can be faulted for taking Speer too much at his own evaluation, and not showing how he was corrupted and influenced by the company he kept. Some of the other characterizations are not quite accurate either - Speer's wife, Marguerite, in reality was not the voice of conscience continuously warning him that what he was doing was wrong and they were all doomed. Other biographies have revealed her to be generally uncritical and in some ways pleased with her elite position as the wife of one of Germany's top men. And while Speer's father was a liberal and against the Nazis, their relationship was not as warm and open as shown here, and Speer was not greatly influenced by him. In fact, it is hard to believe that Speer could have easily followed the path he did in life if all the most important, beloved and admired people in his life had been as clear-sighted and vocal about his mistakes as they are shown to be here. The movie thus falsifies some of the historical atmosphere, and overlooks to what extent perfectly respectable middle-class people in Germany thought Hitler was wonderful. But these flaws are outweighed by the movie's strengths - Derek Jacobi gives a stunning performance as Hitler. One can almost imagine how charismatic and appealing he must have been, as he switches from charm to humour to passion as required. A wonderful scene is just before the Nuremberg Rally, where Hitler stands in front of a series of mirrors, practicing his trademark gestures - arms folded, fists clenching - while talking quietly to Speer about the great future ahead of them. The nature of Hitler as a performer and actor has never been shown as clearly. Ian Holm also gives a great performance as Goebbels - repulsive, unshakeably fanatical and cold-blooded, yet also dangerously intelligent and even witty. This is a view of WWII from a particular angle, and it thus has a lot of gaps (for instance, Speer claimed never to have really known what was happening to the Jews) but it is still engrossing and well worth watching.
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Rosabel6 November 1999
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reelreviewsandrecommendations28 February 2024Films about real-life figures are always going to be divisive. All the more so when they are based on the figure in question's autobiography which, naturally, comes from their point of view and is therefore biased, consciously or otherwise. When said figure was a crucial member of the Third Reich- as well as an intimate of Hitler's- it takes a particularly delicate touch to make that film work without inciting offence or condemnation and to appear- at least somewhat- balanced.
A touch director Marvin J. Chomsky demonstrated at the helm of 'Holocaust,' the gripping, poignant 1978 miniseries that helped establish Meryl Streep and James Woods, among others, and brought the titular term into the mainstream. However, his adaptation of Albert Speer's autobiography 'Inside the Third Reich' lacks the nuance of 'Holocaust,' as well as the power. A truncated retelling of the highlights of Speer's book; one wonders how the same director could be behind both works.
'Inside the Third Reich' follows architect Albert Speer, a charismatic German who attracts the attention of those in the burgeoning Nazi Party. Although apolitical by nature, Speer finds himself seduced by Hitler's manic magnetism, and soon is working for the party. During the second World War, Speer is appointed as the Armaments Minister for the Third Reich, though his growing disapproval for Hitler's disregard for human life creates a chasm between the dictator and his minister that not even death can bridge.
Unlike the source material, the film is mostly a glossy, emotionless affair, which makes little impact on the viewer. In contrast, the original book makes for a fascinating read. Although most certainly Speer withholds information regarding the breadth of his knowledge of the holocaust, he demonstrates a remarkable ability to separate himself from his history, observing scenes from his past with a critical eye. He does not try to excuse himself for taking part in Hitler's murderous regime, rather attempts to understand how he fell under the dictator's spell, and why he ignored the obvious signs of the coming genocide for so long.
It is a book full of nuance, offering a unique, intimate look at a part of history from the perspective of one of its central figures. However, something was lost in translation, as Chomsky's version severely underwhelms. Rather than examining the reasons Speer and others followed Hitler, the narrative- written by E. Jack Neuman- plods along linearly, following Speer on his rise to power in the manner of countless dull biopics. Although by no means boring, when considering the opportunities Speer's rich, contemplative book allows for adaptation- for an intriguing film to be made- it is rather disappointing.
Moreover, the film doesn't question Speer's claims once- which, it is worth noting, he himself does multiple times in his book, acknowledging the inherent bias that arises when writing one's own story and recalling one's own history. The characterisation involved is one-dimensional, with the on-screen version of Speer lacking the depth and complexity of the real man. Although the dialogue- largely taken word-for- word from the source material- is strong, Chomsky and Neuman's straightforward approach lets this adaptation down, hampering its potential impact.
Conversely, the visuals are impressive throughout, with Rolf Zehetbauer's detailed production design being of a particularly high quality. Alongside art directors Kuli Sander and Herbert Strabel, he creates an authentic reproduction of the time before and during the Third Reich. The set decoration and design are especially rich and evocative, as is the striking costume design, compounding the realism of the venture. While Tony Imi's cinematography is fairly conventional, he utilises close-ups and lighting well, heightening the drama. Furthermore, Fred Karlin's score is stirring, using period pieces to great effect, and proceedings are generally well-edited.
The large cast of talented actors are also utilised well, more or less. John Gielgud does sterling work as Speer's father, who questions the direction his son's life has taken. Ian Holm brims with a witty menace as Goebbels, while Trevor Howard is typically understated and effective as Tessenow, Speer's mentor. Blythe Danner also does commendable work as Margareta, Speer's wife, while Randy Quaid is terrific as one of his associates.
The real stand out is Derek Jacobi, delivering a startlingly intense performance as Hitler. At times, he could be the megalomaniacal murderer's double; so cannily does he recreate his gesticulations and movements. Oddly enough, in the lead, the usually convincing Rutger Hauer is the weakest link, coming across as a bit half-hearted and disinterested; perhaps unsure of how to approach the role in the face of Neuman's scant characterisation.
In conclusion, where Chomsky succeeded with 'Holocaust', he fails with 'Inside the Third Reich.' The former boasted compelling characters whom one cared for, wrapped inside an engaging, poignant story. The latter is more like a summary of a book written by a student who didn't particularly care for the course they were on. Lacking the nuance or insight so prevalent in Albert Speer's book of the same name, the film disappoints. Although the visuals, score and supporting performances are commendable, both Rutger Hauer's performance as Albert Speer and the film around him are forgettable. A shame, considering the subject is one that one should never forget. -
grahamsj36 February 2003This is an adaptation of Albert Speer's autobiography by the same name. The story itself is, of course, told from one point of view, Speer's. However, it is a riveting story overall. But I didn't think that Rutger Hauer had his heart in this one. His performance just seemed a bit off and he, unfortunately, was the star, playing Albert Speer. I thought that Derek Jacobi did a wonderful job as Adolph Hitler and he even sort of looked like him. The story is a pretty strong one, and the film holds up pretty well even given Hauer's somewhat lame acting. The remainder of the cast, which includes Sir John Gielgud, Blythe Danner, Randy Quaid, Elke Sommer and Ian Holm, all do a pretty good job and the film is overall fairly enjoyable. However, as I mentioned, it is told from only one viewpoint. A good film but not a great one.
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goya-428 April 2001Rutger Hauer brilliantly plays the Nazi architect Albert Speer in a made for tv movie based on his memoirs. Being based on Speer's memoirs obviously Speer is presented in a better light than the other nazi heads of power, but the drama is evenly balanced and indeed interesting. 6 of 10
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tram84mvp4 July 2005this is a 4 hour mini-series dealing with the life of Hitler's architect Albert Speer, Derek Jacobi does a fine job as Hitler and the film encompasses all 12 years of the 3rd Reich. People interested in the world war 2 years will surely find this movie interesting. I highly recommend this film as it gives the viewer a real inside look at the regime of Hitler and all his cohorts. The whole cast does a good acting job and the viewers get to know the 3rd Reich inner circle members in all their infamous glory. there are a few other movies dealing with this subject but this one is superior to the others. The movie is never dull and can really give the casual person who knows little about the era a sense of what things were like back in 1930's and 40's Germany.
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dorian76825 December 2003Excellent view of just how "cut-throat" Hitler's inner circle was. I do feel that the film portrays Speer too much like an innocent pawn in Hitler's tragic production on the world stage. He knew what he was doing and who he was working for even though he may have had in inner struggle with it.
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bkoganbing26 November 2020Based in large part on the memoirs of Albert Speer, Inside The Third Reich tells the story of Nazi Germany seen from the only Nazi insider to write his memoirs. By pleading guilty with a ringing mea culpa Albert Speer got 20 years inside Spandau Prison for his part in creating the Nazi machine which brought the world to war.
Rutger Hauer plays Speer who post World War I was a promising architectural student and protege of Trevor Howard who is the voice of old Germany. Hauer gets invited to a Nazi rally and hears Adolph Hitler speak and is convinced this is Germany's future and restoration among the great nations.
As an architect he wants to do great things, have his name on some indestructible edifices that will stand the test of time. Who better to follow than a man whose ambition is to create a Germany that will dominate for a thousand years?
Speer's family is also part of old Germany and are not thrilled with Hauer's decision to embrace the Nazi cause. John Gielgud and Maria Schell play Hauer's parents and Blythe Danner his wife Margarethe. Concerned with surviving in a country gone mad, Danner focuses in on being wife and mother and pointedly does not associate with Hitler or the gang around him.
A lot of very good players have essayed the role of Hitler. Coming to mind are Everett Sloane, Alec Guinness Bobby Watson,. I don't think he's ever been better played than by Derek Jacobi. What Jacobi does in playing Hitler from the 20s until the end is capture the charisma of the man. The guy who looks like Charlie Chaplin was a spellbinding orator. Even in English, Jacobi captures the essence of that charisma and his ability to move and sway a crowd. That first speech that Hauer hears leaves you no doubt why so many followed him as he reduces complex questions to simple answers, the great skill all demagogues have had through the centuries.
Inside The Third Reich, a great film and another telling of a tale that needs to be told and retold. -
PVOM26 May 1999And this time, the all-time Nazi sympathizer. All potential historical inaccuracies aside, this is quite an unsettling film. Young, opportunist architect Albert Speer (Hauer) finds himself caught up in the Nazi party, maintaining an air of ignorance of Hitler's insanity and monstrosity. Instead Speer becomes his best friend and a bit of a tragic hero in the long run, as he makes an ernest stab at trying to clean up his mess towards the close of the war. Hauer is suave and determined to the last. A worthwhile mini-series pic, with a great supporting cast and plenty of Hauer to go around. Some may have a hard time with the self-congratulatory tone.
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mark.waltz19 December 2021The most interesting of villains are those who on the surface seem civilized, often morally strong as their Story begins but involved in things beyond their control turn bad, usually out of survival but often out of hidden aspects deep inside their psyche. Such is the case for Albert Speer, played here by Rutger Hauer with great subtlety as he rises in power as Hitler's greatest architect. You get to see Spirit as a youngster, his talents as an architect of these even then as he creates a model for father John Gielgud for his birthday. Politics in Germany after World War I creates conflict between the young and older generations, and eventually the rise of Hitler (a very subtle and gentle performance by Derek Jacobi) leads too many changes in Germany.
Movies has not always presented Hitler as a raving madman, making him much more dangerous through gentle moments that lead into out of her, and you can see why he mesmerised a nation. Jacobi is equivalent to fellow knighted British thespians Alec Guennis and Anthony Hopkins in presenting Hitler in this light so as he gets more passionate in his speeches (and eventually deadly), you are mesmerized by his very presence even with despising the real-life historical monster.
Standing by Speer throughout the film is the beautiful Blythe Danner as his wife, showing quiet discussed by everything she sees going on around him, and at times unable to hold in her despising of these situations. Gielgud as his father is also excellent, strong in standing up for what he believes in durring earlier scenes but as he ages, defeated by something he knows he can't change. As Eva Braun, Renée Soutendijk certainly stands by her man, even if she secretly rolls her eyes at some of his aspects especially Hitler's insistence that one day the whole world will be vegetarian.
When Braun walks out of a screening of "Footlight Parade", during the "By a Waterfall" sequence, you never know why she does it, and his leering at the chorus girls is ironic considering his hatred over anything valued in American culture. Jacobi's performance allows him to have Hitler mimicking British officials who sent him telegrams, a comical side of Hitler you rarely see outside of a Mel Brooks movie. Veteran German actress Maria Schell shines in her brief time on screen as Speer's mother.
A terrific ensemble and an excellent screenplay and the opulence filming make this two-part TV movie quite good, giving another insight will a war that has had many fictional and non-fictional representations on TV and the big screen. Speer is presented as a man who openly had Jewish friends but got in over his head due to his desire to move up in the party, betraying his own moral values along the way. That's what makes him more frightening of a villain.
This is one of the better films of the past fifty years to deal with the evils of the Nazi party and their atrocities. It is told through the perspective of a flashback as he is interviewed while in prison, leading to the publishing of his own version of the facts, many of which are now known to be false. But the fact that he only got 20 years when he knew so much more about what's going on is certainly one of the great con games of the 20th Century, and this film reveals them all. The opening sequence of corpses in the concentration camps being bulldozered into large pits of dirt is certainly depressing and doesn't reflect the subtlety of the crimes shown on the screen as the movie begins until it is too late. -
davidpearce-330-18522015 November 2022Written by Speer to cover his crimes. Speer should have been hanged with the other war criminals. His efforts prolonged the war, resulting in millions of additional deaths. This is a bad movie because it allows a lying cover up. It is irresponsible for film makers to represent criminal behaviour as something less than it was/is.
Speer gambled that taking blame for Nazi crimes would save himself from the gallows. The prosecutors and judges at Nuremberg were taken in by crocodile tears shed by a monster. Slaves in factories run by Speer died in thousands under inhuman conditions. Speed's wife WAS NOT an ardent anti-Nazi as she appears in this film.
He DID work against Hitler to spare German basic services, but that's not saying much considering that it was about all gone by the end of WW II. -
cdmixon27 October 2006Inside The Third Reich is a great movie. Of course the central character of the movie is Hitler played by Sir Derik Jacoby. He does a masterful job of portraying Hitler. From reading a lot about the Third Reich time period and Speer's book, the film is true to the book, and to history.Many people have wondered why Speer was not hanged at Nurenberg. I think I know why the court spared him when the others were hanged. He was one of the few remaining Nazis that could attempt to explaining Hitler from a human point of view. The movie is fast moving and gripping. A great screen occurs at a lavish party when Hitler makes Blythe Danner(Speer' wife)shudder as he kisses her hand and fawns over her. She says to her husband Speer, I may attend parties for him but I will not have him in my house! This is one movie you will want in your house.
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buiger17 January 2020Average. Especially because of many historical inaccuracies and many of the actors having been really badly miscast (with the notable exceptions of Derek Jacobi as Adolf Hitler and John Gielgud as Speer Sr.) Rutger Hauer on the other hand, is so unbelievable as Albert Speer that it almost hurts... Other miscasts include Dr. Goebbels, Magda Goebbels, Herman Goering, etc., just to name a few. Also, the portrayal of some characters is historically completely wrong. The Best example is Magda Goebbels, who is portrayed almost as a regular, 'normal' person, even with moral doubts regarding the situation. In reality, she was a bigger Nazi than even her husband (if that is at all possible), who killed her own children single-handedly so that they will not survive the demise of the Third Reich. If you want to watch a better version of the same story, I suggest the German version 'Speer und er', which was much better. All in all, watchable, but nothing to write home about.