Hitler On Trial [The Man Who Crossed Hitler]

Hitler On Trial, also known as The Man Who Crossed Hitler, is a compelling historical drama set at a critical crossroad in world history. Made in 2011 and directed by Justin Hardy, this BBC film starring Ed Stoppard, Ian Hart, and Bill Paterson highlights a relatively overlooked but significant period of time when the world's most infamous dictator found himself on the receiving end of justice.

Set in early 1930s Berlin, Adolf Hitler, played by Ian Hart, is on the fringe of major political power, but as of yet, is not universally adored or even widely recognized. Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party, known globally as the Nazi Party, is in its embryonic stages of existence – promoting its vision for a racially-pure Germany through vicious assaults, intimidation, and attacks against those who oppose them or who do not embody their Aryan ideals.

Ed Stoppard plays the role of Hans Litten, a brilliant German Jewish lawyer. Young, idealistic, and driven by a sense of ambition and justice, Litten is disturbed by Hitler's rise and the growing climate of fear and oppression in Berlin. He sees clearly the terrifying potential of allowing Hitler’s rapidly growing extremist group to carry out their cruel intentions unopposed, and decides to take matters into his own hands. So, without the support or belief of many of his peers and superiors, he takes the audacious step of putting Hitler on the witness stand in a trial against four of Hitler's stormtroopers.

In the court case, called the Eden Dance Palace trial due to the location of the original crime, Litten prosecutes Hitler’s followers for a chilling case of brutality and exposes the blatant terror and violence at the core of the Nazi Party. His cross-examination of Hitler is a tense and electrifying centerpiece of the film, where Litten tries to pierce the charisma and stage-managed image Hitler projects. Using a relentless line of interrogation, Litten attempts to expose Hitler's true radical, violent, and inhumane vision and the consequential danger to democracy if Hitler's party ascends to power. Stoppard, whose performance is absolutely riveting, paints Litten as a man aware of the gravity of his undertaking and the high stakes involved.

Ian Hart masterfully depicts Hitler as menacing and volatile, whilst able to charm and manipulate. His evocative performance shows Hitler’s ability to project himself as a plausible leader, thus revealing why so many people were taken in by the Führer’s charisma and promises of a glorious Germany.

Bill Paterson plays Litten's father, Fritz Litten, who is torn between wanting to support and protect his devoted son. His role brings a humanizing familial aspect to the movie, highlighting the sacrifices of the personal to the political and the consequences of standing on principle versus self-preservation in totalitarian regimes.

Hitler On Trial, produced by the BBC, is remarkably shot and visually captivating, capturing the atmosphere of early 1930s Berlin with authenticity. The film’s dark, muted color palette reflects the rising cloud of fear and oppression that foreshadowed the horrific events to come. Furthermore, the meticulous historical details in the set design and costumes add another level of authenticity.

Director Justin Hardy shapes Hitler On Trial with subtlety and finesse. His pacing in building the story is deliberate and requires viewers to pay close attention to the nuanced performances and dialogue. The film is largely a courtroom drama, yet it offers viewers much to consider about the nature of power, fear, intimidation, and the cost of taking a principled stand in the face of a seemingly unstoppable evil.

In essence, Hitler On Trial is an engrossing historical drama that's both insightful and heart-rending. The film not only provides an intriguing and lesser-known perspective on the early days of Hitler's rise to power but also pays fitting tribute to the courage and conviction of a several figures who dared to stand against the tide. Ultimately, the film is a powerfully evocative reminder of the immense courage needed to stand up against forces of oppression and hate; a message that offers enduring relevance.