Operation Walkure was Germany’s answer to Hitler’s death – mobilise the reserve army to protect the people. In Valkyrie, Tom Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the energetic leader in the plan to exclude the Head of SS Himmler from this Operation, and assassinate Hitler. As historical thriller, Valkyrie delivers with steadily building tension. As a movie, Valkyrie misses the high mark achieved by Holocaust films like Schindler’s List, Judgment at Nuremberg and The Pianist. What was missing?
Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg
Tom Cruise playing a German is not the issue, as he looks startlingly like the real Colonel Stauffenberg. The problem is the mix of accents in a film about a nationalistic group of people. Flanked by a stellar British cast, Tom Cruise’s American accent does him no favours. The cast might have agreed on a British or German accent. Husky German at the beginning of the film would not dissolve into Cruise’s high-pitched American accent. Tom Cruise in a refreshing new accent would help audiences buy into the authenticity of his Nazi character.
High Tension in most Scenes
Tension rises almost immediately, in an early scene when dissenter Major Tresckow (Kenneth Branagh) collects a parcel from Colonel Brandt, a bomb that failed to go off on Hitler’s plane. The reverse interrogation of subordinate with superior is greatly underlined by the soundtrack, ensuring audiences are on the edge of their seats. High tension repeats several times throughout the movie – and the question is always asked: is Hitler really dead?
Character Depth Missing
In a story that involves many major players, director Bryan Singer would have found it difficult to explore character depth without sacrificing screentime (resulting in longer films like Schindler’s List). Colonel Stauffenberg’s wife (Carice van Houten) and their children are featured in a few touching scenes, while hiding underground from bombing. As Stauffenberg’s only non-army companions, perhaps it would be apt to offer a view on the events through his wife. Alas, director Bryan Singer chooses to stick the movie storytelling so close to history that he leaves out plumbing the depth of such unusual characters like Stauffenberg – an exploration that artistic licence allows.
Instead, emotionally stirring scenes take place in the telegram office, where Hitler’s reported death is first being received by the female typists. Contradicting orders are argued over, then dispatched. Director Singer shows Germany through the eyes of its patriots, not families.
Christian Berkel & Bill Nighy – Superb Performances
Tom Wilkinson and Terence Stamp are among some of the stellar British cast in Valkyrie. These veteran actors bring a wry wisdom in their eyes which complement Tom Cruise’s directness and naivete, Top Gun style. Notable performances come from Christian Berkel (who is German) and Bill Nighy. Bill Nighy is quite the virtuoso, having played comedy in Love, Actually and action in Pirates of the Caribbean. Christian Berkel puts in a highly memorable performance as Colonel Quirnheim. In just a few scenes, Berkel portrays Quirnheim as detached, intellectual yet passionate for the cause. Tom Hollander is another actor to look out for, maintaining a naturally strong presence around Hitler.
What to Expect from Valkyrie
Anti-Nazi feeling from World War II makes it harder for Valkyrie to be truly outstanding. Bryan Singer does not impose a strong directorial style on this historical movie, the way Oliver Stone does. Valkyrie delivers with great acting and suspense, and is an informative film. What Valkyrie does not achieve, is a poetic height, an original take on events seen from the unique eye of one such Colonel Stauffenberg.
- Valkyrie
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Writers: Christopher McQuarrie, Nathan Alexander
- Actors: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, Christian Berkel, Thomas Kretschmann, Carice van Houten, Tom Hollander, Eddie Izzard
- Running time: 121 minutes
Lynette S.K. Webster - Copywriter turned Freelance Writer Copywriter for 4 years in Singapore, writing radio, print, TV and recruitment ads for national radio ...
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