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"Mother Night", a very good, intriguing and strange film.

Posted by free.ranger on October 24, 2012 at 22:17:11:
Made in 1996, this is an adaptation of a true character and his story, written in 1961 by Kurt Vonnegut (the movie keeps the name of the novel). Howard Campbell's story would roll into obscurity if not for Vonnegut and this film.

The real Campbell was an American working in radio in Berlin after WW1, escaping the US depression. He was continually pushed into becoming a Nazi propagandist, but claimed that his anti-American broadcasts contained coded messages for the American intelligence. This role was given to him through the American consulate before our involvement in WW2. There was only one contact who could prove this for him. Campbell was captured by Allies and tried in Israel for war crimes.

The story is captivating. Vonnegut wrote this novel loosely based on the true story of Campbell, but not too loose. The basics are intact. The actors are some of the best at the top of their art for this film: Nick Nolte plays Campbell; Alan Arkin is his friend (and enemy) George Kraft. These guys are impeccable. Their nuanced interactions just draw you in. Like all of Vonnegut's stories, there's craziness involved; well portayed by characters who occasionally pop loose with a little weird action or facial expression, but not to override the depressing tone of the film. The acting keeps the film balanced toward that end while also keeping Vonnegut's style intact. The post-war Nazi types are both comical and menacing. The film also has John Goodman playing Wurtinen, his sole obscure intelligence contact.

Really, this is one of the best, and best played indie movies I've seen in a long while. The story is fascinating; the acting is superb. If you are a Nolte and/or Arkin fan, this is your movie. I like Nolte, and I've never seen him do better than here. Well worth seeking out.