For what should have been a fascinating film (it certainly has a fascinating story), it plays out rather dull and lifeless. Noah Taylor is fantastic (if a little too Brian Topp from Spaced!) as the insecure, neurotic Hitler, but Cusack's casting feel... (read more) For what should have been a fascinating film (it certainly has a fascinating story), it plays out rather dull and lifeless. Noah Taylor is fantastic (if a little too Brian Topp from Spaced!) as the insecure, neurotic Hitler, but Cusack's casting feels a little too light. He's a great actor, but for some reason he doesn't seem to gel with the story. In fact, it would have made a more interesting film if they had solely concentrated on 'Young Hitler'. Bit of a missed opportunity.

Certainly an interesting movie, a fascinating "what if" -- but I feel that while the movie does a pretty good job of showing Hitler as a human being, it almost makes him a little TOO sympathetic. While it was a topic I was certainly interested in exp... (read more) Certainly an interesting movie, a fascinating "what if" -- but I feel that while the movie does a pretty good job of showing Hitler as a human being, it almost makes him a little TOO sympathetic. While it was a topic I was certainly interested in exploring, I was left a tad disappointed.

it does have an interesting concept i admit. hitler as an artist, what if. but the film is not a very compelling visualization. there is no real drama. and even the max character is not truly relevant either. hitler is shown as almost a crazy person,... (read more) it does have an interesting concept i admit. hitler as an artist, what if. but the film is not a very compelling visualization. there is no real drama. and even the max character is not truly relevant either. hitler is shown as almost a crazy person, which maybe he was but if he was really the way he was shown in this film he would not have really gotten far. yes, he can shout. but did u hear his argumentation? did i say he spits too? this film does a better part in showing us some of the reasons why the WWII had started but not much insight into hitler and not even into hitler as an artist. but art is nice though.

An exceedingly average film which goes nowhere. John Cusack plays an overly sympathetic character named Max Rothman, a former artist who lost his arm in WWI, fighting for Germany. He then becomes an art dealer and meets a young Adolf Hitler who is st... (read more) An exceedingly average film which goes nowhere. John Cusack plays an overly sympathetic character named Max Rothman, a former artist who lost his arm in WWI, fighting for Germany. He then becomes an art dealer and meets a young Adolf Hitler who is striving to become an artist. Max befriends the blustery Hitler even amid his anti-semetic leanings because he believes that he could be a successful artist. Max's character is bland and boring helped by Cusack's uninteresting portrayal, but the actor who plays the young Hitler, Noah Taylor, is very good. That said, this fictional account, is simplistic and barely scratches at the surface of anything remotely curious. Not a bad film, yet nothing remarkable by any measure.

You've got to admit. This is a pretty intense ideal. What if?

And John Cusack is such a good actor. He plays the part so well. You'll probably never hear about this movie from anyone, which is a shame, because it is really good.

If you've lived through the past eight years of the Bushies and Rove/Atwater-style propaganda, it's a real eye-opener to see how their political forebears in the Nazi Party got their start. Granted the underlying motives have changed from racial wa... (read more) If you've lived through the past eight years of the Bushies and Rove/Atwater-style propaganda, it's a real eye-opener to see how their political forebears in the Nazi Party got their start. Granted the underlying motives have changed from racial warfare to class warfare, but the execution is exactly the same - use simple, repetitive phrases based in either religion, tradition or bogus science that simultaneously rile up and brainwash a disaffected and desperate portion of the population...connecting with their emotions rather than their reason allows the propagandiers to steer the debate to wherever they want, even if it's in the people's WORST INTERESTS - so long as they unite behind and commit to destroy a common enemy - then it was Jews, now it's Arabs/Muslims. I would say this is required viewing for anyone wanting to understand why the modern Republicans are continually compared to the Third Reich.

John Cusack will drudge along, putting out four or five mainstream movies, but then will put out a piece of pure gold... this is that gold. This is a masterful film that portrays things in ways you wouldn't think, and goes to the thoughts of many his... (read more) John Cusack will drudge along, putting out four or five mainstream movies, but then will put out a piece of pure gold... this is that gold. This is a masterful film that portrays things in ways you wouldn't think, and goes to the thoughts of many historians: what if Hitler had been an artist?

Now, this movie isn't historically accurate, but focuses on a lot of real people, and some of the interactions they had. Arguably, one of Cusack's best roles, and Noah taylor's turn as a young Hitler is amazing. This is a must see for anyone.

Peculiar and intriguing.

It's a big idea, but the film itself is small and shriveled.