Adam Resurrected
Director: Paul Schrader
Actors: Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe, Cristian Motiu
PlotIn post-World War II Israel, Adam Stein, a once-famous Berlin entertainer and comedian, resides in a specialized psychiatric institute for Holocaust survivors. Before the war, Adam was renowned for his magnetic performances, captivating audiences with his charm and wit. However, his life took a tragic turn when he and his family were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. There, Adam was forced to entertain the camp's commandant, Commandant Klein, who treated him like a pet dog in exchange for sparing his life. The dehumanizing experiences deeply traumatized Adam, leaving him haunted by memories of the horrors he endured.
At the institute, Adam navigates through daily life while engaging with fellow patients who have also suffered irreparable psychological damage from the war. He bonds with a young boy who believes himself to be a dog, a relationship that mirrors Adam's own degrading past under Nazi imprisonment. The institution itself serves as a microcosm of haunted souls striving for healing. While Adam’s charismatic and rebellious spirit shines through, he struggles to reconcile his former identity with the fragmented man he has become. Haunted by visions of Commandant Klein and memories of his lost family, Adam desperately seeks a way to come to terms with his past and rediscover his sense of humanity. In a poignant exploration of trauma and survival, the narrative delves into the depths of resilience and the complex journey toward healing.
Writers: Yoram Kaniuk, Noah Stollman
Release Date: 12 Dec 2008
Runtime: 106 min
Rating: R
Country: Germany, Israel, United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Adam Resurrected is a technically solid, provocative deconstruction of Holocaust tropes and Jewish identity, with standout performances.
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