History Repeats Itself: 'Nuremberg' Echoes in 2025
The shadows of the past loom large in the present, and John Slattery, known for his roles in Mad Men and Avengers, believes the lessons of Nuremberg are more relevant than ever. In a recent Zoom interview with UPI, Slattery, 63, reflected on the chilling parallels between the post-World War II legal drama and today’s global landscape. 'How more relevant could this movie be?' he asked, his voice tinged with both urgency and reflection. 'The timing is remarkable, given what’s happening in the world.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Nuremberg, now playing in theaters, isn’t just a historical recounting—it’s a mirror held up to our times. Directed by Jamie Vanderbilt and based on Jack El-Hai’s The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the film follows U.S. prosecutor Robert Jackson (Michael Shannon) as he seeks justice against the architects of the Holocaust. Rami Malek stars as U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with evaluating the sanity of Herman Göring (Russell Crowe), while Slattery portrays Colonel Burton C. Andrus, the commandant of Nuremberg Prison.
And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t just about the trial; it’s about the moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with delivering justice. Slattery emphasized the prosecutors’ struggle to set aside personal emotions, ensuring the defendants were treated fairly—a stark contrast to the cruelty the Nazis inflicted on millions, mostly Jewish victims. 'It was a difficult assignment,' Slattery noted, 'but an interesting challenge to tell the story responsibly yet entertainingly.'
Slattery’s preparation was meticulous. He dove into the script, the source book, and even Andrus’s own writings, grappling with the weight of the trial’s significance. 'It wasn’t hard to see how important it was to them to do it well, to show the world what had occurred,' he said. Yet, with limited screen time, he had to carefully select which aspects of Andrus’s character to highlight, ensuring his performance contributed to the narrative without overshadowing it. 'It’s entertainment, but it’s also about telling the story,' he explained.
Working with Vanderbilt, whom Slattery described as a 'great collaborator and a great guy,' was a highlight. 'Fun to be with and funny as hell,' he said, 'I couldn’t ask for a better experience.'
But here’s the question that lingers: In a world where history often repeats itself, does Nuremberg serve as a warning, a reminder, or both? And more importantly, are we listening? Slattery’s hope is clear: 'People will see the parallels.' But what do you think? Is this film a timely cautionary tale, or does it risk oversimplifying complex historical events? Let’s discuss in the comments—your perspective matters.
