Valkyrie (2008)

At the height of the Third Reich, many Germans may have wished Mein Führer dead. Only a few would actually try. Nazi Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) was one of them. Stauffenberg returns to Berlin, Germany after sustaining injury in Africa. In Berlin discovers senior officials that share his view and are working to show the world that "we are not all like him." Hitler is dangerous and must be removed from office if Germany, nay, all of Europe is to survive this war. Joining political and military figures already installed in Hitler's government, Stauffenberg plots a daring mission. As Operation Valkyrie (See German composer Richard Wagner's "Die Walküre") unfolds, Stauffenberg finds himself a central player as he is tapped to deliver the bomb to the Führer's feet.

Valkyrie would be a riveting, effectual period drama if it weren't for practically everything! This film does everyone, actor and viewer alike, an injustice. Character development is only the beginning of the problems. With a loaded cast that includes the likes of Bill Nighy, Eddie Izzard, Kenneth Branaugh, Tom Wilkinson, Terrance Stamp, and Stephen Fry, there should be genuine development. Additionally, the British accents that pop in and out of the scenes are irritating. The film opened in German and should have stayed that way.

Honestly, I can't tell what director Bryan Singer is doing. The film is uninspiring, but it looks good. Set detail and costuming create a cold, menacing atmosphere. Sure you know the ending, but that shouldn't keep it from being interesting. For this drama to be effective, you've got to develop the people behind the plot. There is no suspicion, intensity, or emotional provocation.

As I see it, there are better films that document this heinous period of history. The life of Claus von Stauffenberg is fascinating. This movie, however, is not.

J4T: 1 star