Photo courtesty of Lion’s Gate Films Noah Taylor plays Adolf Hitler in the Lions Gate release Max, now showing at the Magnolia.

THIS EDITION Volume 21, No. 1 January 30, 2003

Front Page

Max: Politics and art collide

By Jonathan Pechon
Editor

Writer Menno Meyjes not only assumes the role of director for the first time, he takes on a strong issue in his latest film: the turning points in the life of a young Adolf Hitler.

Max is a film of historical fiction, centered on the character of Max Rothman, a Jewish art dealer played by John Cusack (High Fidelity, Being John Malkovich). Rothman attempts to direct the energies of Hitler, portrayed by Noah Taylor (Shine), into the burgeoning modern art world, and away from the machinations of politics.

Meyjes manages to present the film in a way that transcends not only time but the stereotypes to which we have become acclimated. Rothman’s gallery is located in an abandoned factory, giving a dark mood to the central location of the movie. The city of Budapest passably depicts Munich in 1918, but Meyjes labors to ensure that you do not linger on the timeframe- he wants you to focus on the characters.

Cusack’s character is a fictional amalgam of art dealers and other people who attempted to aid Hitler in his efforts to become a successful artist. Having lost an arm at the battle of Ypres, Rothman manages to maintain his passion for art, though he can no longer paint. Cusack’s offhand mannerisms serve the character well and offset the brooding mood that would otherwise permeate the film.

Taylor depicts the temperamental Hitler as a more human figure than what we’ve been given in the past, with the trimmed little moustache and terrible power. While the performance seems to go over the top at times, it is very much in line with what we know the man was like: abrasive, insecure, and intolerant.

The strongest features of the film are the tie-ins to the world of the artist. Rothman’s efforts and unbridled passion combine with Hitler’s convictions and failures to form a solid foundation for the film within the realm of art. Students and creators of art may take more from this movie than the average viewer will.

Even with this, you may end up yearning for more. Another 30 minutes of substance, and more in-depth interaction with Max’s wife and mistress, respectively played by Molly Parker and Leelee Sobieski, would probably make for a much more satisfying experience. In the end, though, it is a beautiful depiction of the bottom line of what free will can come down to.

Max opened Jan. 24 in an exclusive run at Dallas’ Magnolia Theatre, 3699 McKinney Avenue.

For more information, visit magpictures.com.