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The film, which traces the intricate legal proceedings following World War II, emerged from a 13-year journey that began with a proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first read Jack L I\u2019s book proposal in 2012,\u201d Vanderbilt revealed. \u201cIt was only five or six pages, but it told the story of Doug Kelly, who at the end of World War II thinks he\u2019s going to go home, but instead is called to evaluate whether the Nazi high command is fit to stand trial.\u201d<\/p>\n
Central to story is a compelling psychological dynamic between Doug Kelly, portrayed by Malek, and Hermann Goering, dubbed \u201cHitler\u2019s Number Two,\u201d played by Crowe. Vanderbilt described their interaction as a \u201cpsychological duel\u201d that immediately captivated him, calling it \u201cthe fastest I\u2019d ever said yes to anything in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The film distinguishes itself by focusing on an often-overlooked period of World War II history.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a movie that begins on the day the last shot is fired in Europe,\u201d Vanderbilt said.<\/p>\n
A pivotal character in the story is Robert Jackson, portrayed by Michael Shannon, a Supreme Court Justice who played a crucial role in establishing international war crime trials. Vanderbilt highlighted Jackson\u2019s heroism, noting that when the U.S. Army wanted to summarily execute Nazi leaders, Jackson insisted on a proper legal process.<\/p>\n
\u201cJackson said, \u2018No, this has to be done. We have to do this the right way,'\u201d Vanderbilt recounted. The filmmaker was particularly struck by Jackson\u2019s commitment, pointing out that he not only advocated for an international trial but also took a leave of absence from the Supreme Court to become the chief U.S. prosecutor.<\/p>\n
Vanderbilt\u2019s meticulous approach to historical storytelling was supported by an exceptional production team, including Academy Award-nominated production designer Eve Stewart and cinematographer Darius Wolski, known for shooting multiple Ridley Scott films.<\/p>\n
The project represented a significant departure from Vanderbilt\u2019s earlier work, which included writing the popular \u201cScream\u201d franchise. However, he approached the historical drama with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of extensive research in creating an authentic narrative.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love as a filmmaker, doing research,\u201d Vanderbilt said. \u201cIt\u2019s sort of what gives me confidence in order to make these things.\u201d<\/p>\n
The film offers a look at a critical moment in world history, highlighting individuals who might otherwise have remained footnotes in historical accounts. By focusing on characters like Kelly and Jackson, the movie provides a deeply human perspective on the complex process of seeking justice in the aftermath of unprecedented global conflict.<\/p>\n
Vanderbilt\u2019s commitment to telling untold stories shines through in his approach to the material. \u201cI love stories like that,\u201d he said. \u201cI love sort of the behind-the-scenes and the story you didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNuremberg,\u201d written and directed by James Vanderbilt and starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O\u2019Brien, Colin Hanks and Michael Shannon, releases this week from Sony Pictures Classics.<\/p>\n