Werner Herzog's Invincible (2001) has a look and feel like it was made in the mid 80's. It is a period drama that takes place just before WWII, but it doesn't have the sharp look of other movies of this past decade like an Atonement. Instead it has a glossy, washed out look, that evokes a style of filmmaking that seems as old as the time period it takes place. This was obviously a deliberate choice on the behave of Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger, but I do think this decision drew more attention to the problematic parts of this film (to be discussed later).
I love the concept and the simple moral code of the film. It takes place before Hitler and the Nazis seized power in Germany, it surrounds Zishe Breitbart an incredibly strong Jewish blacksmith who is summoned to Berlin to perform feats of strength for the German upper class. Zishe comes from a family of very strict moral and religious principles and has to adapt or chose how he is to implement his values while entertaining those who we know will soon come to persecute his people. Zishe is played by real life strong man Jouko Ahola. Ahola is simply not a very good actor, but somehow manages to work here in creating (or simply having) an innocence that works so well for his character. Herzog may not have casted a lead that can act but he did find someone who's face never lies and with whom we can sympathize.
On the opposite end of the acting spectrum is an unforgettable performance by Tim Roth as the owner and operator of this circus type show. Roth is so convincing as a man who is desperate for power and can manipulate most any in his path to get his own means. There is one scene in the film where he hypnotizes a women, it is said that during this he both hypnotized the women and the camera man. I believe this because I found myself coming close to falling in his trance. It is quit a remarkable and look over performance by Roth, maybe the best I've seen of his.
Where Invincible fails to deliver is in its execution. There is way to much on the nose dialogue being delivered by very poor actors. Any scene in which a crowd gathers is very awkward and it seems like everyone is just yelling out the obvious, at points it is laughable. In the end the story even fails to deliver on its potential and you're left wondering, what's the point?
There are so many movies in the world, I don't know why Invincible showed up in my Netflix queue but I am glad I saw it. And despite its pretty significant flaws I would recommend the film.
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