A promising young artist, Max Rothman lost his arm in the Great War and with it his ability to paint. Upon his return, he opens what quickly becomes an acclaimed art gallery catering to modernism. There he runs into another war veteran and struggling artist named Adolf hitler. Max encourages Adolf to develop his talent and channel his raw beliefs into art. The lure of politics soon wins Adolf's interest over art, setting into motion the cataclysm of World Wor II. Stars John Cusack, Noah Taylor, Leelee Sobiesky and Molly Parker.
MAX, directed by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Menno Meyjes, stars John Cusack as the title character, Max Rothman, a German-Jewish man who lost his right arm while fighting for his country during WWI. Although Rothman is no longer able to pursue his dream of becoming an artist, he channels his love of art into a successful gallery that shows the work of many European modernist painters, including George Grosz (portrayed by Kevin McKidd). At one of his gallery openings, Rothman meets an artist and fellow WWI soldier, an intense young man named Adolf Hitler (Noah Taylor). Largely out of a veteran's bond, Rothman agrees to buy some of Hitler's work and encourages the frustrated painter to channel his emotions onto the canvas. However, angered and disillusioned by Germany's impoverished state, Hitler also begins flirting with politics and public speaking. As Rothman comes closer to selling his work, Hitler's interests take a turn--a turn that will change the course of world history.
Stirring up controversy even before its release, MAX largely avoids the pitfalls often associated with taking on major historical figures. Although the film is about Hitler, as the title implies, it focuses more on the intriguing and complex character of Max Rothman, who is excellently portrayed by Cusack. In spite of his lost arm and his country's decline, Rothman tries to remain optimistic and finds solace in his appreciation of art. Meanwhile, Hitler's artistic output is largely unimaginative, and Taylor's performance as the future dictator and mass murderer is far from flattering or sympathetic. A smart and unusual film that handles its delicate subject matter well, MAX is a engaging look at the lives of two men just before they are irrevocably altered.
Theatrical Release: DECEMBER 27, 2002
Max Reviews:
"...Meyjes is surprisingly successful at recreating the tumult of early-Weimar Germany....It's testament to Meyjes' storytelling abilities that there is some suspense about a film whose ending every audience knows long in advance..."
-- Geoffrey Macnab, Sight and Sound
"In context, the drama is immense."
-- Jon Brown, Total Film
"...It presents a fascinating and psychologically credible interpretation of events that may have been crucial to that monster's formation....The film has extravagantly stylized visual imagination..."
-- Stephen Holden, New York Times
"...This is a fascinating and engrossing film that deals intelligently with a great many ideas, and Cusack and Taylor are brilliant in it..."
-- Glenn Kenny, Premiere
"...[A] provocative historical fantasy....It challenges, this nervy oddity, like modern art should..."
-- Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
"...John Cusack gives an adroit performance..."
-- Stephen Farber, Movieline's Hollywood Life
Color; Digital Sound; Stereo Sound; Letter Boxed; Widescreen
Max Movie Review
Customer Max Reviews Customer Max DVD Reviews
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)
fabulous This was a really good movie. I loved it. John Cusack is incredible. I watch it a lot. Very cool very cool. Dig it. Submitted by kmccoy (cayucos ca) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Have you seen this movie?
Max DVD
Max DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Letterbox - 1.85 Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo - English Additional Release Material: Audio Commentary: Menno Meyjes - Director Interactive Features: Scene Selection Interactive Menus
Share this Product