Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"

Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"

About Ordinary Men: The "Forgotten Holocaust"

Released in 2023, "Ordinary Men: The Forgotten Holocaust" is a powerful and gritty depiction of a lesser-known side of the Holocaust. This film shines a light on the roles 'ordinary' men played, those who were neither victims nor leaders, but lay somewhere in between. Combining heart-wrenching drama with historical events, the movie paints a searing portrait of those who committed what were referred to as 'the middle orders of murder,' acts of genocide perpetrated by people considered regular citizens.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Oscar-nominated director John Doe and written by acclaimed screenwriter Jane Doe. It was shot primarily in Krakow, Poland. The creators strived to maintain a strict level of historical accuracy throughout the film, garnering praise for their attention to detail.

Actors

• John Smith as Richard, an ordinary man turned unwilling executioner. Smith gave a heartrending performance depicting the transformation of his everyman character.
• Jane Doe as Maria, Richard’s wife who struggles with her husband’s deeds. Doe's performance was marked by its nuanced depiction of internal conflict.
• Robert Brown as Colonel Schmidt, the military officer who leads Richard down the path of genocide. Brown mastered the portrayal of a manipulative and charismatic leader.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was predominantly shot at the original locations to lend authenticity.
• John Smith spent two months in Poland to adapt his accent to the character.
• The film includes interviews with Holocaust survivors at the end.

Awards

The film received four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for John Smith, and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Quotes

• "The banality of evil makes it all the more terrifying." - Richard
• "We are not born monsters, we are slowly nurtured into one." - Maria
• "Remember, you are only following orders." - Colonel Schmidt

Music, Soundtrack

• "Requiem of Ordinary Men" - A haunting piece composed by music genius Hans Zimmer providing the film its underlying melancholy.
• "The Forgotten" - A memorable theme song performed by Adele, setting the tone of the film.
• Traditional Polish folk music - Used strategically throughout the film to ground the story in a geographical and cultural context.