The Last of the Unjust

The Last of the Unjust, released in 2013, is a highly compelling, heartfelt, and emotionally gripping documentary centering on the life experiences of Benjamin Murmelstein, a Rabbi who was one of the victims of the Holocaust. Throughout the documentary, legendary French director Claude Lanzmann delves into the unexpected complexity encompassing the events of the Holocaust, challenging the audience to think about the ordeals of the Jewish community from a different perspective.

The structure of the documentary borrows heavily from the interviewing techniques pioneered by Lanzmann himself in his previous works, most notably ‘Shoah’. Lanzmann shares and highlights exclusive footage from his 1977 interviews with Murmelstein - the only surviving ‘Elders of the Jews’. The 'Elders' were Jewish leaders appointed by the Nazis themselves as heads of the ghettos, serving the brutal commands of their oppressors. Murmelstein was the last 'Elder' of the Theresienstadt ghetto, making his presence and recollections even more significant in the narrative of Jewish suffering.

Despite being part of the Nazi-controlled administration, Murmelstein does not comply with the negative stereotype of a traitor or collaborater. Instead, he appears as a dynamic presence – a survivor who navigated exceptionally hostile circumstances in a way that would allow people to live another day. The documentary sheds light on Murmelstein's controversial actions and the incredible decisions he had to make while highlighting his intellectual prowess and extraordinary storytelling skills.

Lanzmann cleverly contrasts gleaned historical footage with the current serenity of European landscapes, such as Vienna in Austria and Theresienstadt in the Czech Republic. Through the conversations with Murmelstein and these visual comparisons, the audience is drawn into reflecting on how the echoes of the past reverberate into the present.

Lanzmann plays a pivotal role as the reviewer of history and an active listener in the dialogue. The film delves deeply into the subject matter through the lengthy interviews and fosters a sense of connection with Murmelstein. The exchanges between Lanzmann and Murmelstein are neither easy nor comfortable and the documentary doesn’t intend to offer definitive answers but rather encourages the audience to debate the moral dilemmas raised.

A crucial part of The Last of the Unjust is the Theresienstadt Ghetto, also known as the "Model Ghetto." The Nazis showcased it to the Red Cross as a façade of treating Jews humanely. Murmelstein, in stark contrast to any expected hatred towards the place, calls it an ‘evil fairy tale,’ providing a nuanced view of its realities and its potential for illusion.

Murmelstein, rebuffed by many for his involvement in the Nazi-led administration, uses the platform to defend his actions, offering a first-person perspective that challenges the black and white narrative surrounding collaborators. He presents the difficult, often agonizing choices he faced, revealing his relentless efforts to save as many lives as possible, often at risk to his own.

The documentary, moreover, also scrutinizes the ‘unjust’ of the title. It not only concerns the public opinion concerning Murmelstein but also the broader sense of injustice inflicted upon the Jews. It reflects on anti-semitic pogroms and, in a broader scope, the unjust suffering of humanity during the Holocaust.

The Last of the Unjust is not about providing a comfortable perspective; it's about digging through the complexities and ambiguities that are part of human history. With a run time of nearly four hours, the documentary is an ambitious, profound exploration of an untold side of Holocaust history. It highlights the grey areas in this historical event, showing it is not as one-dimensional as one might believe.

In conclusion, The Last of the Unjust is an example of a powerful piece of cinema that speaks on a difficult layered subject effectively. It showcases the potential of documentary filmmaking, not just in capturing the truths of the past, but also in challenging audiences to reflect and debate on horrific historical events. Through its extensive interviews and thoughtful cinematography, the audience is offered a complex and multifaceted view of history. It's a vital reminder of humanity's capacity for survival and the constant tension between life’s practical necessities and moral challenges that exist even in the darkest of times.