Denial (HBO)

About Denial (HBO)

"Denial" is a British-American biographical drama film directed by Mick Jackson that was released in 2016. The movie is based on Deborah E. Lipstadt's book "History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier" which is a true story. The plot revolves around Lipstadt, an American Professor who is accused of libel by David Irving, a Holocaust denier, and her legal battle in the English court to prove that the Holocaust really occurred.

Making / Production

The film was written by British playwright David Hare and produced by BBC Films. It was shot in London and Poland. The production aimed to maintain the authenticity of the story, focusing on the real-life court case and ignoring the typical Hollywood drama tropes.

Actors

• Rachel Weisz: She played the role of Deborah Lipstadt, the American historian. Weisz portrayed the character with utmost skill, showcasing the struggle and emotional turmoil she faced during the trial.
• Tom Wilkinson: He played the role of Richard Rampton, the skeptical but determined lawyer. His portrayal was both steady and engaging.
• Timothy Spall: Spall played the part of David Irving, the Holocaust denier. He played it with a chilling intensity, portraying his character's deep belief in his own skewed version of history.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The trial scenes were filmed in the actual courtroom in London where the real-life trial took place.
• Author Deborah Lipstadt made a cameo appearance in the film. She can be seen sitting behind Rachel Weisz during one of the trial scenes.

Awards

The film earned Rachel Weisz a nomination for Best Actress at the British Independent Film Awards, and it also received several nominations at the Jewish Film Festival.

Quotes

• "I'm not a racist. I just say that the Holocaust never happened." - Timothy Spall as David Irving
• "The task is presenting the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth." - Tom Wilkinson as Richard Rampton

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's remarkable music was composed by Howard Shore, who is known for his work in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies.
• Songs like "Denial Theme," "The Letter," "London 1998," and "Survivors" set the tone of the film, adding emotional depth to the scenes.