Oscar buzz had been building around Russell Crowe’s latest role in a World War II drama, but excitement has tempered following the film’s lukewarm debut on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), has earned only a 50% rating from critics so far, casting doubt on expectations for Crowe’s potential return to awards-season prominence.
Crowe, once a consistent contender during Oscar seasons, gained acclaim for his performances from 2000 to 2002, including a win for Gladiator and nominations for The Insider and A Beautiful Mind. Since then, however, the actor has not received further nominations, making this World War II portrayal a hopeful chance for a comeback.
Mixed Critical Response to ‘Nuremberg’ Despite Strong Acting
The film, titled Nuremberg, is set during the famous post-World War II trials and focuses on the psychological clash between American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley and Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring, portrayed by Crowe. While the acting—particularly Crowe’s embodiment of Göring—has received praise, the movie’s storytelling has not resonated as strongly with reviewers.
Critics commend Crowe for returning to a commanding presence reminiscent of his Gladiator era, and his co-stars Rami Malek, playing Kelley, and Michael Shannon, also receive positive mentions. However, many feel the narrative fails to deliver fresh insights or depth in its examination of evil, describing the pacing as uneven and the overall execution as somewhat stale.
The technical aspects of the film have been acknowledged as competent, but the general consensus points to an oversimplified approach that dulls the intended dramatic impact.
Character Roles Illuminate the Tense Psychological Battle
The cast includes Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, the high-ranking Nazi official; Rami Malek as American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, assigned to assess the mental state of Nazi defendants; Leo Woodall as Sergeant Howie Triest; and John Slattery as Colonel Burton Andrus. The story centers on Kelley’s evolving and intense psychological confrontation with Göring during the Nuremberg Trials.
Implications for Crowe’s Awards Prospects and the Film’s Future
Despite the mixed reception of Nuremberg, Russell Crowe’s performance remains a highlight and could still earn him a much-anticipated Oscar nomination. The portrayal of such a complex, notorious figure as Hermann Göring marks a departure from Crowe’s recent roles and signals a return to more challenging material.
As only a dozen reviews have been counted so far, the Rotten Tomatoes score could change as more critiques emerge. Whether the film gains momentum or continues to struggle may influence its visibility during the awards season and impact Crowe’s standing among competitors.
