In the darkest war her voice was the most powerful weapon.|May. 28, 2021|United States|107 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Drama;Family;History;Mystery;Thriller
Description: “American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally,” directed and co-written by Michael Polish, focuses more on its visual style than its narrative or character depth. The film features meticulously framed shots with striking noir-inspired lighting, emphasizing the eerie settings of Nazi Germany and American prison cells. However, the characters fail to captivate, and the movie doesn’t deeply explore the themes of consent, culpability, and justice it raises.
Based on true events, the film tells the story of Mildred Gillars, portrayed by Meadow Williams, an American woman living in Germany as the Nazis rose to power. She collaborated with Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Minister of Propaganda (played by Thomas Kretschmann), producing radio broadcasts aimed at demoralizing U.S. troops. Using a seductive tone, Gillars initially urged Americans to avoid the war, claiming Germany was a better ally than England. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, she warned them of the German military’s strength and even encouraged surrender. Her broadcasts included visits to American POWs, where she manipulated their messages to portray favorable treatment by the Germans. Dubbed “Axis Sally,” she became infamous for her propaganda efforts.
Goebbels emphasized the power of spoken words, asserting they are most effective when the manipulated believe they act freely. The film raises questions about the extent of Gillars’ manipulation and her own agency. Goebbels employed both coercion and incentives, keeping her passport to prevent her departure and forcing her to pledge loyalty. The central dilemma of the movie revolves around whether Gillars was a victim of manipulation or a willing participant in her actions.
Cast director: Michael Polish
Cast actor: Meadow Williams, Al Pacino, Thomas Kretschmann, Mitch Pileggi, Lala Kent, Carsten Norgaard, Jasper Polish, John D. Hickman, Swen Temmel, Jesy McKinney
Original name: American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally