Tropic Sprockets / Operation Finale

By Ian Brockway Adolph Eichmann was one of the most detestable figures in all of history. He was a head SS officer and the chief architect of the “Final Solution,” directly responsible for the slaughter of over 6 million Jewish people. The film “Operation Finale” is the story of his capture and his transport to Israel to stand trial for war crimes. Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac) is a secret agent driven to find his man. He is personally stricken with sadness because of his sister Fruma (Rita Pauls), who was shot by the Nazis along with her two children. Under orders from Mossad, Malkin travels to Argentina and there he is, Eichmann, (Ben Kingsley) living with his fanatical son Klauss (Joe Alwyn). Eichmann works under the name of Klement, a factory worker at a Mercedes plant. Malkin spies him coming home one night and decides to spring into action. He tackles him and a struggle occurs. Eichmann is taken to an undisclosed location to await trial. The film is well acted primarily due to the energy of Kingsley and Isaac. Kingsley’s Eichmann is hard, withering, cynical, catty and sarcastic, just as reported. At one moment, bats fly in formation and Eichmann is seen as a real life Dracula, which indeed he is. Malkin takes the responsibility of feeding Eichmann. At times, the confrontations remind one of Hannibal Lecter‘s exchanges in “Silence of The Lambs.” Eichmann is just as manipulative as the fictional killer if not more so. In one scene Kingsley alludes to the absurd and outrageous Trump-like belief that facts are subjective and open to debate. Despite the high drama, both Kingsley and Isaac rein in their roles just in time, and have the good sense not to go over the top. There are also fine performances by Haley Lu Richardson and Alwyn. Richardson plays Klaus’ girlfriend and as a couple one is never quite sure if they are stable and in love. The comedian Nick Kroll has a solid turn as Rafi, Malkin’s partner and friend. Despite some repetitive cat and mouse circumstances and near misses, “Operation Finale” is well paced. That said, it is fair to say that those who know their history well will find precious little here that is new. Still, it is always cathartic to see a historical monster get his just comeuppance on screen. Write Ian [email protected]

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