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Max (2002)

Max (2002)
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In the wake of his rise to power, Adolf Hitler became known as perhaps the most villainous and destructive political leader of the 20th century. But what was he like before he formed the Nazi party? Screenwriter and director Menno Meyjes explores that question in this drama, a work of fiction keyed to the fact that Hitler unsuccessfully pursued a career as an artist following World War I. In 1918, Max Rothman (John Cusack) is a former artist who lost an arm during the war. While Max can no longer create, his eye for talent is as keen as ever, so he has become a successful art dealer, specializing in Modernists such as George Grosz. Max's success has brought him a fine home and a beautiful wife, Nina (Molly Parker); he's also acquired a mistress, Liselore (Leelee Sobieski), a lovely young woman with artistic aspirations of her own. One day, Max meets Adolf Hitler (Noah Taylor), an emotionally intense, fellow war veteran who has found himself penniless in Munich. Adolf fancies himself an artist, and while Max isn't especially impressed with his technique, he sees in him a burning passion and a desire to communicate, so he encourages Adolf to express his demons through his art. While Adolf takes Max's advice to heart and strikes up a friendship with him, Max's friends find Adolf's open advocation of anti-Semitism rather troubling; Max, who is Jewish, simply chalks Adolf's attitudes up to unpleasant wartime experiences. But as Adolf immerses himself more deeply into his political interests and his thoughts on social engineering, he begins to leave painting behind in favor of a more interesting art form, the political arena. Max marked the first directorial effort of noted screenwriter Meyjes. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Director(s):
Menno Meyjes
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Max

In the wake of his rise to power, Adolf Hitler became known as perhaps the most villainous and destructive political leader of the 20th century. But what was he like before he formed the Nazi party? Screenwriter and director Menno Meyjes explores that question in this drama, a work of fiction keyed to the fact that Hitler unsuccessfully pursued a career as an artist following World War I. In 1918, Max Rothman (John Cusack) is a former artist who lost an arm during the war. While Max can no longer create, his eye for talent is as keen as ever, so he has become a successful art dealer, specializing in Modernists such as George Grosz. Max's success has brought him a fine home and a beautiful wife, Nina (Molly Parker); he's also acquired a mistress, Liselore (Leelee Sobieski), a lovely young woman with artistic aspirations of her own. One day, Max meets Adolf Hitler (Noah Taylor), an emotionally intense, fellow war veteran who has found himself penniless in Munich. Adolf fancies himself an artist, and while Max isn't especially impressed with his technique, he sees in him a burning passion and a desire to communicate, so he encourages Adolf to express his demons through his art. While Adolf takes Max's advice to heart and strikes up a friendship with him, Max's friends find Adolf's open advocation of anti-Semitism rather troubling; Max, who is Jewish, simply chalks Adolf's attitudes up to unpleasant wartime experiences. But as Adolf immerses himself more deeply into his political interests and his thoughts on social engineering, he begins to leave painting behind in favor of a more interesting art form, the political arena. Max marked the first directorial effort of noted screenwriter Meyjes. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
108 mins

Complete Cast of Max


Director(s):
Menno Meyjes
Writer(s):
Menno Meyjes
Producer(s):
Andras Hamori
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Watch With Your Teen)
Max Awards:
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2002 - National Board of Review - Special Mention for Excellence in Filmmaking
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
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    Christopher E.

    While the director makes plain and clear from the start that this is a work of fiction based on real characters, I would still urge restraint in renting this movie from history buffs. Though bitter sweet, with pleasant cinemotography and always appropriate backround music, the movie seemed at times cheesy, almost fishing around for pointed moments of intrigue from viewers who knew nothing of the young Hitler. For instance, there is a scene in which a very frustrated Hitler slowly writes on a piece of lined paper; "Art + politics = power". Completely forgetting the fact that this makes no sense at all, the director obviously tried to make some profound statement that would make viewers wonder in awe what it meant. The irony of the end, as stated before, is not to be missed. Watch this movie if you can find nothing else.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Elizabeth R.

    A slower-paced film with a wonderful performance by John Cusac and a downright creepy performance by Noah Taylor as a young Hitler. The irony of the ending is not to be missed.

    Yes   |   No

     
    MICHELA WADE H.

    Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in what this movie has to offer, Max doesn't disappoint. Cusack - with an occasionally spotty accent - turns in a solid and haunting performance as the art dealer Max. This picture stayed in my mind for hours afterwards; the irony of the last ten minutes simply are not to be missed. Quite simply one of Johnny's better movies - a serious deviation from his normal boy meets girl romantic comedy. There's no happy ending in this one, honey.

    Yes   |   No

     
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