It’s hard to believe that given the magnitude of what occurred in concentration camps in Nazi Germany, that anyone could be in denial about the events. How strange that when evidence is staring you directly in the face, there are still some people who can turn around and say they never happened. Practically unbelievable how far people will go to deny a viewpoint outside their own.
And this is precisely what Denial is all about. Based on a true story of a trial that lasted almost 5 years, prominent Holocaust historian Deborah Lipstadt is drawn into a libel lawsuit against prominent Holocaust denier, David Irving. Despite Lipstadt’s unwillingness to debate with a denier, she is forced to answer the libel claims, resulting in one of the most important court cases in recent history.
Let me start by stating the obvious. The Holocaust is a heavy subject. I by no means deem myself worthy of speaking on such a complex and sensitive matter at length. However, I don’t believe that means we shouldn’t talk about it. Reminding ourselves of past events is how we prevent them from happening again. Likewise, denying them is a sure way to repeat them.
Denial goes to great lengths to ensure we understand the implications of the trial and actions of its characters. For example, it’s stressed quite early in the film that should Lipstadt lose her trial there’s a high chance that deniers will gain more credibility. It is essentially the same as the law stating it’s perfectly fine to deny the holocaust, and that there are two opinions that are equally valid even when one is wrong.
Despite the fact that this case was never directly about whether the Holocaust happened, the implication is there. Should David Irving’s claims of defamation prove true, it gives credit to all his historical theories, including the idea that the Holocaust was a hoax perpetrated by the jews to garner sympathy.
For reason’s that should be obvious all of this culminates into an intensely emotional story. In this right, I must give credit to the cast. In particular, Rachel Weisz for her performance in the lead role, Deborah Lipstadt. The emotions felt throughout the trial; exasperation, worry, hope, anger, are powerful. They are presented so well that not only do you begin to sympathize with Lipstadt, you begin to feel her emotions as they were your own.
It is evident throughout the film that the trial means so much more to her than anyone could comprehend. She stands not only as a woman defending the truth, but one defending her people. The spirit and suffering experienced by the Jewish community rest on her shoulders throughout the case. And though she fights with passion in order make her voice heard, she must show restraint to keep her opponent, Irving from gaining the upper hand.
Likewise, Irving, played by the legendary Timothy Spalding, exudes nothing but superiority. As deluded as he is, you can see the reasoning behind his actions. Already an outcast within the historical community. He is looked down upon for his views. In a way, you could say he had nothing to lose from this trial, and everything to gain. However, this movie proves the opposite. His pride and arrogance have driven him so far that he can’t face the facts when they’re displayed in front of him. It becomes apparent that even as he says things that are proven to be untrue, he does not notice. So convinced that he is important, clever and right that he cannot even comprehend the opposite.
It’s both fascinating and horrifying to watch Irving’s character operate. Not because of his success in swaying the crowd. Nor because he strikes you as a particularly evil man. I find it horrifying to watch because this situation reminds me so much of current events. With the recent U.S. election, there has been a lot of denial happening. Not only with supporters of Donald Trump, but with Trump himself. Words he has said or actions he has taken were hotly debated. One group said he was racist, the other said he was misinterpreted, and what we end up with is a giant mess.
Watching Irving garner the support of skinheads and Neo-Nazi’s within the film reminded me a little too much of that. And I’m not saying that Trump is Hitler or Irving for that matter. I’m not saying that anything like the Holocaust is likely to happen again. But it reminds me that no matter how clear the truth might seem, there are always those that will deny it.
In the information age, it’s very easy to share an article or a fact that can be misquoted or misinterpreted. As citizens, I believe it is our duty to search for the truth. We cannot trust everything we hear, and we cannot accept things at face value. Once research has been done, one can interpret the facts however they see fit. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. However, if you tell someone you believe the earth is flat, you should expect backlash.
I think Denial is not only a provocative, emotional and powerful story, but it is one that is very important in our current situation. Let it serve as a reminder to not only seek the truth but to defend it. Let this film educate and inspire you to fight for what is right in this world.
If you’d like any more information about the holocaust, please visit HETIreland.org. They offer services such as information and teacher training in order to further educate on the Holocaust and its effects. Furthermore, if you’d like to know more information about the case of David Irving vs Penguin Books and Deborah Lipstadt, and Deborah Lipstadt herself, I would recommend you study her blog.
