Movie Review: ‘Denial’ Takes on Holocaust Denial
Lipstadt v. Irving Trial Dramatized in Gripping Courtroom Drama
Deborah Lipstadt's Defamation Case Against David Irving Explores the Dangers of Holocaust Denial
"Denial," a gripping courtroom drama based on Deborah Lipstadt's defamation case against Holocaust denier David Irving, is a powerful reminder of the dangers of Holocaust denial and the importance of historical truth. Starring Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt and Timothy Spall as Irving, the film explores the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding Holocaust denial, delving into the motivations of both Lipstadt and Irving.
Lipstadt, a Jewish-American historian, was sued by Irving for libel after she accused him of Holocaust denial in her book "Denying the Holocaust." The trial, which took place in London in 2000, became a landmark case, as it was the first time a Holocaust denier had been sued for defamation.
The film, directed by Mick Jackson, does an excellent job of capturing the intensity and drama of the trial. The courtroom scenes are particularly powerful, with Weisz delivering a standout performance as Lipstadt. The film also does a good job of explaining the complex legal and historical issues at stake, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The Holocaust and Holocaust Denial
The Holocaust was the systematic genocide of approximately six million European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. The Nazis believed that Jews were racially inferior and sought to exterminate them.
Holocaust denial is the rejection of the historical reality of the Holocaust. Holocaust deniers often claim that the Holocaust did not happen or that the number of Jews killed has been greatly exaggerated. Some Holocaust deniers also claim that the Holocaust is a hoax or a conspiracy against the German people.
The Dangers of Holocaust Denial
Holocaust denial is not just a harmless fringe belief. It is a dangerous ideology that can have real-world consequences. Holocaust denial can lead to anti-Semitism, Holocaust revisionism, and even new genocides. It is important to remember that Holocaust denial is not just about the past. It is about the present and the future.
The verdict in the Lipstadt v. Irving case was a victory for truth and justice. The jury found that Irving had deliberately distorted the historical record and that his Holocaust denial was malicious. Irving was ordered to pay Lipstadt £200,000 in damages.
"Denial" is a powerful reminder of the importance of historical truth. It is a film that should be seen by everyone who cares about the past, the present, and the future.
