The Man in the Glass Booth

The Man in the Glass Booth is a 1975 drama film that features Maximilian Schell, Lois Nettleton, and Lawrence Pressman in the lead roles. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the movie is based on a play of the same name by Robert Shaw.

The plot revolves around Arthur Goldman (Schell), a wealthy Jewish businessman who is living in New York. One day, he is kidnapped by Israeli secret agents and taken to Israel to stand trial for war crimes committed during the Second World War. The agents claim that Goldman is really a notorious Nazi war criminal named Rudolf Hess, and demand that he be tried as such.

Goldman, however, vehemently denies the allegations and insists that he is an innocent victim of a case of mistaken identity. Despite his protestations, he is subjected to a grueling trial in which his past is brought to light in excruciating detail. The prosecutors, intent on proving his guilt, systematically destroy his reputation and credibility.

As the trial progresses, the audience is drawn into a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and trauma. Goldman himself is revealed to be a deeply troubled and conflicted man who is haunted by his past and wracked with guilt. His relationships with his family members and business associates are all called into question, and the audience is left to wonder whether he is truly a victim or a villain.

The cast of The Man in the Glass Booth is superb, with Maximilian Schell delivering a mesmerizing performance as the tortured Arthur Goldman. He captures both the arrogance and the vulnerability of the character, making him both sympathetic and repugnant at the same time. Lois Nettleton and Lawrence Pressman also turn in excellent performances as the prosecution lawyers, who are determined to see Goldman brought to justice.

The movie is shot primarily in a courtroom setting, with flashbacks used to provide context and background information. This gives the film a sense of claustrophobia and tension that is palpable throughout. The script, written by Shaw himself, is sharp and incisive, with each character given plenty of opportunity to shine.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Man in the Glass Booth is its exploration of identity and guilt. The central question of the movie - is Arthur Goldman really Rudolf Hess? - is never fully answered, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions. The movie is a meditation on the horrors of war and the toll it takes on individuals long after the fighting has stopped.

Overall, The Man in the Glass Booth is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that asks important questions about morality and justice. It is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Second World War and a warning about the dangers of unchecked power. With its stellar cast and sharp script, it is a movie that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.