Three filmmakers have set out on a mission to challenge the conventional approach to Holocaust movies, believing that they can still hold a revelatory power that resonates with audiences today. Often regarded as important but skippable Oscar bait, movies about the Holocaust tend to struggle in maintaining the interest of viewers. However, with their films “The Zone of Interest,” “Occupied City,” and “Origin,” these directors aim to change that perception by exploring different perspectives and drawing connections between the horrors of the past and the present. Through delving into the daily life of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, examining the lasting impact of Nazi occupation on Amsterdam, and juxtaposing the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany with that of Black people in America and Dalits in India, these films refuse to let the Holocaust remain solely in the past, striving to make it resonate and provoke thought in today’s audiences.
Three filmmakers believe that Holocaust movies can still be revelatory.
Holocaust movies have long been a staple in the film industry, with numerous acclaimed films shedding light on one of the darkest chapters in human history. However, over time, these movies have garnered a reputation for being Oscar bait – films created solely to win awards rather than to genuinely educate and inspire audiences. While there is no denying the importance of Holocaust movies, some may argue that they have become skippable due to their predictable narratives and lack of fresh perspectives.
Movies about the Holocaust are often seen as Oscar bait and are considered important but skippable.
The popularity of Holocaust movies at prestigious award ceremonies like the Oscars has led to a perception that these films are solely created to win awards. Filmmakers often rely on an established formula, emphasizing the narratives of courageous individuals who fought against the Nazis, the harrowing experiences of concentration camp survivors, or the heroics of the righteous among nations. While these stories are undoubtedly important, they can become predictable and fail to bring new insights into the Holocaust. As a result, audiences may view these movies as important but ultimately skippable.
The directors of ‘The Zone of Interest,’ ‘Occupied City,’ and ‘Origin’ challenge the traditional approach to Holocaust movies.
However, there are filmmakers who are determined to break free from the traditional mold and offer fresh perspectives on the Holocaust. Three such filmmakers – whose works include “The Zone of Interest,” “Occupied City,” and “Origin” – have challenged the conventional approach to Holocaust movies and strive to make the Holocaust relevant and resonant with contemporary audiences.
‘The Zone of Interest’ focuses on the daily life of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife, while linking the horrors of the past to the present.
In “The Zone of Interest,” director David Russell delves into the daily life of Rudolf Höss, the infamous commandant of Auschwitz. Unlike many Holocaust movies that primarily focus on the experiences of victims and survivors, Russell chooses to shed light on the perpetrators of the atrocities. By exploring the dynamics between Höss and his wife, the film humanizes the character while also forcing viewers to confront the banality of evil. Furthermore, Russell skillfully weaves together the horrors of the past with contemporary issues, highlighting the relevance and impact of the Holocaust on present-day society.
‘Occupied City’ is a documentary that explores the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam and the lasting impact on the city.
Director Sarah Kleinmann takes a different approach with her documentary “Occupied City,” which delves into the history of the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. Rather than focusing solely on the Holocaust, Kleinmann expands the narrative to explore the broader impact of Nazi rule on the city and its residents. Through interviews with survivors, archival footage, and expert analysis, Kleinmann illuminates the lasting scars left by the occupation. By taking a comprehensive approach, “Occupied City” challenges the notion that Holocaust movies must solely focus on the concentration camps and offers a more nuanced understanding of the Holocaust’s impact.
‘Origin’ compares the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany to the treatment of Black people in America and Dalits in India, showcasing the interconnectedness of suffering.
Director Maya Jain’s “Origin” takes a bold step by drawing parallels between the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany, the systemic racism against Black people in America, and the discrimination faced by Dalits in India. Through a series of intersecting stories and powerful imagery, Jain highlights the interconnectedness of suffering across different nations and communities. By juxtaposing these different forms of oppression, the film urges viewers to reflect on the universality of human suffering and the importance of solidarity against injustice.
These films refuse to let the Holocaust live solely in the past and instead strive to make it resonate with audiences today.
What sets these films apart from traditional Holocaust movies is their refusal to relegate the Holocaust solely to history. Rather than allowing this dark chapter to fade into the annals of time, these filmmakers strive to make it relevant and resonate with audiences today. By challenging the conventional approach and offering fresh perspectives, they breathe new life into a subject that some may argue has become repetitive and devoid of genuine revelation.
Examining the Revelatory Power of Holocaust Movies
While many Holocaust movies are often dismissed as Oscar bait, the works of directors like David Russell, Sarah Kleinmann, and Maya Jain demonstrate the revelatory power that these films can possess. By breaking free from traditional approaches and presenting new lenses through which the Holocaust can be viewed, these filmmakers prove that the Holocaust still has the potential to captivate and educate audiences in profound ways.
Filmmakers challenge the perception of Holocaust movies as Oscar bait.
One of the major criticisms directed towards Holocaust movies is their perceived reliance on a formulaic approach that caters to award ceremonies. However, the directors of “The Zone of Interest,” “Occupied City,” and “Origin” challenge this perception by infusing their works with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. They refuse to succumb to the temptation of pandering to awards and instead focus on creating powerful narratives that truly engage and enlighten audiences.
Drawing parallels between historical and modern oppression in ‘Origin’.
“Origin” stands out as a prime example of a Holocaust movie that goes beyond the confines of its historical context. By drawing parallels between the treatment of Jews during the Holocaust, the systemic racism against Black people in America, and the discrimination faced by Dalits in India, director Maya Jain showcases the interconnectedness of suffering. This approach not only highlights the universal nature of oppression but also calls for empathy and solidarity among marginalized communities. “Origin” challenges viewers to confront the past and recognize the continued relevance of the Holocaust in combating present-day injustices.
In conclusion, the works of filmmakers like David Russell, Sarah Kleinmann, and Maya Jain demonstrate the potential of Holocaust movies to continue being revelatory. By challenging the traditional approach, these directors breathe new life into the subject matter, making it resonate with audiences today. By humanizing the perpetrators, exploring the broader impact of the Holocaust, and drawing powerful connections to modern-day oppression, these films offer fresh perspectives that prove the Holocaust is far from being a skippable topic. Instead, they emphasize the enduring relevance and importance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter in human history.
