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Denial
Bleecker Street Media
Release Date:
Metascore
64
Based on
31 Critics
User Score
6.6
Based on
12 Ratings
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Summary Back to top
Based on the acclaimed book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt's (Rachel Weisz) legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. [Bleecker Street]
Director: Mick Jackson
Genre(s): Biography, Drama, History
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 109 min
Home Release Date: Jan 3, 2017
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Critic Reviews Back to top
Positive:
23
Mixed:
7
Negative:
1
100
New York Observer
Rex Reed
Sep 28, 2016
Another illuminating performance by Rachel Weisz and a brilliant screenplay by the distinguished British playwright David Hare make Denial one of the most powerful and riveting courtroom dramas ever made.
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75
Movie Nation
Roger Moore
Oct 11, 2016
The film’s courtroom concentration — the suit, prep and trial took years — makes it one of the driest treatments of The Holocaust ever. But Weisz and Wilkinson find emotions around the edges of all that be-wigged legal wrangling.
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75
Tampa Bay Times
Steve Persall
Oct 18, 2016
David Hare's screenplay based on Lipstadt's book is intrinsically stacked toward her eventual triumph, with each familiar step worth watching.
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70
New York Daily News
Stephen Whitty
Sep 28, 2016
The action inside the courtroom is compelling. This is a place where people duel with words, not swords, but the wounds can be just as deep and permanent.
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67
Christian Science Monitor
Peter Rainer
Sep 30, 2016
Wilkinson’s acting is likely to be undervalued simply because it seems effortless.
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63
Boston Globe
Peter Keough
Oct 6, 2016
The film works adequately as a historical drama.
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25
New York Post
Farran Smith Nehme
Sep 29, 2016
The movie sneers at the journalists covering the trial, but for those of us who followed it at the time, the newspaper accounts were a lot more engrossing than this film.
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User Reviews Back to top
Positive:
4
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
8
BHBarry
Oct 16, 2016
“Denial” is the true story of an American Holocaust scholar, Deborah E. Lipstadt, who was sued for libel by a Holocust denier as recounted in“Denial” is the true story of an American Holocaust scholar, Deborah E. Lipstadt, who was sued for libel by a Holocust denier as recounted in her book entitled “Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier”. The screenplay for the film was written by David Hare based on Ms. Lipstadt’s book. Mick Jackson directed the film which stars Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson and Timothy Spatt. This is basically a courtroom drama played out in the London courts and gives the audience a clear understanding of the fundamentals of the British legal system and the roles the solicitor and barrister play. Yet this is not just another Holocaust story but a rather sensitive and personal insight into those who teach about this unfortunate event in world history as well as those who lived to tell about it. Ms. Weisz’ performance is extraordinary and she communicates her dedication to the role certainly in some part because of her own personal background and experience. As a lawyer I can recite a number of improbabilities and inaccuracies that take place in the courtroom scenes but one must remember that the screenplay is based on the perceptions of Ms. Lipstadt and I believe that, had there been more input from a barrister or solicitor in the making of the film, the noted inaccuracies would not have appeared. That being said, and seeing the film as a layman seeking a good entertainment experience, this film adequately attains that goal. Accordingly, I give the film an 8 with much of the credit going to Ms. Weisz who is largely responsible for its positive rating,.… Expand
7
Brent_Marchant
Oct 8, 2016
A capably made, well-acted fact-based courtroom drama that appears to get things down by the book but that also leaves viewers surprisinglyA capably made, well-acted fact-based courtroom drama that appears to get things down by the book but that also leaves viewers surprisingly emotionally unengaged, a somewhat perplexing outcome given the highly charged nature of the subject matter. Even though the courtroom debate at the heart of this story is more about forensics than emotions, that theme pervades the film so much that the picture feels more clinical than involving. Enjoy the performances (especially Timothy Spall and Tom Wilkinson), and be awed by the moving visit to Auschwitz (one of the few emotionally impactful sequences in the film), but don't be surprised if this offering lets you down in other regards.… Expand
7
Spangle
Oct 16, 2016
A film told impassionately and emotionally, Denial from director Mick Jackson is an important film exposing "historian" David Irving for theA film told impassionately and emotionally, Denial from director Mick Jackson is an important film exposing "historian" David Irving for the liar, anti-semite, xenophobe, and sexist, that he truly is and expresses in his writing. Though the ending may be obvious, the final verdict of the film is not without tension and power, as the film still manages to create the proper impact of the moment. Yet, Denial is held back from being better for being very much typical in regards to both Holocaust and courtroom films. Operating within the confines of its true story, Denial is relegated to filling in the gaps between its courtroom scenes with prototypical courtroom drama interactions, as well as classic moments from better Holocaust movies. My tears and emotion over the Holocaust were present for sure, but the film never really built on anything that past films have not already dissected.

Yet, in spite of its typical nature, Denial still feels powerful. A court case about proving the Holocaust and honoring the deceased and the survivors, it is a film with inherent emotional prowess. Mick Jackson brings this element to life in the film and really showcases just how impactful this case is, regardless of which way the verdict goes. Should the judge rule in favor of Irving (Timothy Spall) or in favor of Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz), the ramifications of the case will be far reaching and could, honestly, change the past. It is through the importance and significance that the film finds its success. Riding on its impassioned telling of the story, Denial rises above its cliches and becomes a thoroughly riveting and moving experience.

This element is most certainly bolstered by the acting. Rachel Weisz is limited in her lead role, yet still brings the good with an emotional performance. Her overt passion shines through and ignites the same passion within the viewer. Her lawyer, Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson), has the same passion, yet far more subtle. It is only later in the film that we realize how deeply this case has impacted him to a similar degree as Lipstadt. Wilkinson does a brilliant job bringing this element to life with a typically great performance. As Irving, Timothy Spall is tremendous. He brings Irving and everything about him to the viewer with the end result that you despise him. Spall, though in a vile role, is brilliant. From his non-verbals to the nonchalant delivery of incendiary commentary.

While its cliches stand as its biggest faults, Denial also does feature a decent amount of filler at times, as well as oddly chosen courtroom scenes. Though powerful, there is very little actual proving of the Holocaust and far name calling of Irving. He may be wrong, but it takes a few court scenes for the film to actually showcase his falsehoods. That said, the courtroom scenes are still powerful, but a little left of center initially before focusing in on the important moments.

Overall, Denial is passionate and filled with rage towards deniers. It is this powerful approach that elevates it above its cliches and filler to deliver a solid and thoroughly entertaining, yet poignant film with absolutely stellar performances.… Expand
7
GreatMartin
Oct 24, 2016
Most people don't expect to walk out of a movie smarter than they walked in but seeing "Denial" not only entertains but teaches the audiences.Most people don't expect to walk out of a movie smarter than they walked in but seeing "Denial" not only entertains but teaches the audiences. Most Americans don't really know about the British court system but the main difference is that in America in libel cases the defendant is innocent until proven guilty while in England the defendant is guilty until they can prove their innocence.
Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) has written a just published book "Denying The Holocaust" portraying David Irving (Timothy Spall) as the holocaust denier he is and the latter claims she has ruined his career, cost him a loss of income and defamed him so sues her.
The "Denial" is based on a true story and the courtroom scenes are word for word from the actual trial records. Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson) defends her in court while Anthony Julius (Andrew Scott), who was Lady Diana's solicitor in her divorce, heads a team to prepare the case. Irving defends himself hoping to bring his denying the holocaust to more of the public and increasing his following while making his argument more valid. The outcome of the trial has a lot at stake on both sides and while some may go into the movie knowing the ending they will still get caught up in the trial.
It has been awhile since there has been a good trial movie and this fills that absence with both parties agreeing to the judge making the decision instead of the hearing being in front of a jury. His final decision is over a 300 page report and everyone in the audience where I was holding their breath and some even vocalizing at the decision.
From the opening scene, where Irving confronts Lipstadt, giving a lecture in a full hall, to the last scene in "Denial", the film holds your attention and the three leads Weisz, Wilkinson and Spall are standouts, especially the latter who as a despicable person may make you shake your head back and forth but will hold you interest. The supporting cast doesn't have a less than worthy player.
A film about the holocaust doesn't immediately bring laughter to mind but with Lipstadt, as a 'fish out of water', provides quite a few smiles and, in some cases outright laughter, as the differences in the ways of Americans and Brits, especially in the courtroom, come about naturally.
While I wasn't so emotionally involved as I thought I would be I was more intellectually involved than I usually am with a movie.
An aside: I have finally found someone who has written, and keeps, more diaries than I did/have and he makes my collection look like nothing!… Expand
6
TVJerry
Oct 21, 2016
Rachel Weisz plays a Holocaust scholar who's sued in British court by a prominent denier (Timothy Spall). While there is a somber, movingRachel Weisz plays a Holocaust scholar who's sued in British court by a prominent denier (Timothy Spall). While there is a somber, moving visit to Auchwitz, most of the narrative revolves around the legal wrangling. Although it's attempted, the film doesn't succeed in the emotional connection that would have created a powerful experience. Instead, we watch relatively dry legal proceedings (it is England, after all). David Hare's screenplay manages to effectively hit the case's salient points and Weisz's performance is solid, but this is probably the most detached treatment of the Holocaust ever put on film.… Expand
5
Giulius
Oct 23, 2016
A disappointment. Sure, we know how it all turns out, but plenty of other dramatic films have managed to present true stories in a compellingA disappointment. Sure, we know how it all turns out, but plenty of other dramatic films have managed to present true stories in a compelling way. Presenting Irving as a buffoon robs the film of its central conflict. And Weisz plays an overwrought role from the start, badly diluting the emotional impact of the defense team's visit to Auschwitz. Really, the lawyers' constant turmoil is distracting. So much effort is expended to create conflict that we are left to wonder how these people ever manage to make it to court on time.… Expand