"We have to let the world know that we weren't all like him." That line in itself sums up the intentions of the select German bunch who wanted to see Hitler's Nazi regime fall.
What's it about:
"We have to let the world know that we weren't all like him." That line in itself sums up the intentions of the select German bunch who wanted to see Hitler's Nazi regime fall. Of course, this bunch had no foresight about what to do in the event of Hitler's demise. It takes Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise) to show them the way. The Colonel, a discontented war veteran lost his left eye, right hand and two fingers while on the front in Tunisia, is a very bitter man who doesn't see the point in the war anymore.
What's hot:
The best-laid plans come to naught, wrought by the inaction of the people making the decisions. Something this film tom-toms throughout. Cruise brings Stauffenberg's fears, resolve and desperation to the fore and even looks the part. Carice van Houten, who plays Nina, Claus' wife is a revelation, emoting without much dialogue. The film's pace isn't found lagging. The art direction is above par and takes you back to the '40s.
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What's not:
It's Cruise's larger-than-life persona (ironically) that does him in. It has been his bane in this biopic. We don't feel for von Stauffenberg at all. One thing that nags you more than anything else are the various accents of the characters (mostly British in tone and delivery). Director Bryan Singer is reported to have discarded the idea of experimenting with a German accent; going in stead with neutralu00a0 accents (English we assume) that "(wouldn't) distract from the story". It does just that.
What to do:
Learn about a different Germany. Here's stuff you won't find in history textbooks.
Valkyrie
**1/2
Dir: Bryan Singer
Cast: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson
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