Watch Rachel Weisz defend history in courtroom drama Denial

Words

Caroline Middleton

Director Mick Jackson promises a courtroom drama brimming with controversy in the trailer for his latest legal lambast, Denial, which centres on the plight of Jewish-American historian Deborah E Lipstadt to discredit David Irving’s opinion that the Auschwitz gas chambers were a “fairytale”.

Based on the book ‘History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier’, the film stars Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt, with Timothy Spall playing the villainous Irving and Tom Wilkinson the voice of reason, Richard Rampton. Today Holocaust denial is a criminal offence throughout most of Europe, and it’s hard to believe that this crucial, cataclysmic event in 20th century history was ever called into question, albeit in this case because of a contentious libel case.

As Andrew Scott, playing lawyer Anthony Julius, observes, “Auschwitz is at the very centre of Holocaust belief, so it’s at the very centre of Holocaust denial.” With lines like this, we’re anticipating a smart, suspenseful period drama. Check out the trailer above and let us know your thoughts @LWLies

Denial is in cinemas 27 January, 2017.

Published 10 Nov 2016

Tags: Rachel Weisz The Holocaust

Most Popular

Suggested For You

Youth

By Adam Woodward

A legend of British cinema teams with Italy’s master of screen sensuality to tell a sparkling tale of nostalgia and sorrow.

review LWLies Recommends

The problem with Hollywood’s representation of the Holocaust

By Tom Seymour

Why are Tinseltown’s depictions of this atrocity so often reduced to little more than failing memories?

10 great political speeches in film

By David Jenkins

As America gears up for a season on the stump, we pick our favourite examples of great political oration in the movies.

Little White Lies Logo

About Little White Lies

Little White Lies was established in 2005 as a bi-monthly print magazine committed to championing great movies and the talented people who make them. Combining cutting-edge design, illustration and journalism, we’ve been described as being “at the vanguard of the independent publishing movement.” Our reviews feature a unique tripartite ranking system that captures the different aspects of the movie-going experience. We believe in Truth & Movies.

Editorial

Design