The Bunker

source: The Bunker

The Bunker

This made for TV film seems to be very rarely shown now. Anthony Hopkins becomes yet another actor to portray the German dictator. The films covers the period of Hitler when he ascends into his Berlin bunker up to and a little while after his suicide. It could be slow at times but if your a history buff it's a very detailed picture.

A tour de force performance by Hopkins manages to propel this sometimes slow-moving docudrama. The supporting performances, especially by Piper Laurie and Richard Jordan, also drive this intensely psychological take on the last days of the Third Reich. One criticism though: is a German accent really that difficult for professional actors to mimic?

Told in large part from the viewpoint of "Albert Speer" (played by Richard Jordan) this film recounts the final months of "Adolf Hitler" (Anthony Hopkins) and his Third Reich as the Russian army steadily advances upon Berlin. Of particular interest is the performance of Laurie Piper (as "Magda Goebbels") whose dedication to Hitler was both fascinating yet scary at the same time. Also worth mentioning is the manner in which Anthony Hopkins managed to portray Hitler during this time when the Fuhrer's health and reason were failing him. In that regard it's no wonder that he won an Emmy Award and Piper Laurie was likewise nominated for one as well. Also of interest were the other characters who surrounded Hitler and stayed until the very end. All in all then, I thought that this was a very good film and for that reason I recommend it for those who enjoy movies of an historical nature. Above average.

I consider this one of Anthony Hopkins best 'early' performances. Hopkins immersed himself into the role of Hitler. In a review it was said after a typical Hitler tirade, Hopkins was so 'into' the role, he would have the room cleared so he could be alone and compose himself! Awesome, believable, performances by all other's involved also. Especial kudos to Richard Jordan as Albert Speer, Hitler's 'adopted' protege'. This film adaptation may be as close as we will come to what really happened in Hitler's bunker at the end of World War II.