When I first started this blog, I wrote a post called “They should have known” about the portrayal of Nazi concentration camps prior to their “discovery” at the end of World War 2.  Imaginary Witness explores Hollywood and the Holocaust both before and after.  Like anything Holocaust related, the subject matter is heavy, dark, and disturbing.

I found that this documentary danced about the responsibility question (and did not even make mention of the movies I commented upon).  Much time and effort was devoted to post-war portrayals–all well and good–but not tackling the before and during phases.

The documentary gave a glancing nod to “the American Holocaust” by refering to the miniseries “Roots“.  I found that token case of  home made holocaust misleading.  The 130 years of shooting wars against Indians more fits the genocide model than the years of slavery and oppression.

But given the strength, power, and influence of the Holocaust Publicity Machine–the Holocaust is pretty much a propriety trademark as well as vast human tragedy.

This is a movie to see.  The message is clear, even if garbled in its own nuanced way.  This is a turning point as portrayals went from in your face horror (1945) to never forget (1970s) to deeper reflection (today) where little details–like US anti-Jewish actions—were before silently excused, respectfully omitted, and repeatedly forgotten in Holocaust portrayals.

Oh she is good, real good.  From Holocaust, and Sophie’s Choice to A Cry in the Dark, Streep has great screen presence. Just now, she portrays Julia Child in the Julia Child chic flick Julie & Julia. Her accent control works for me (a belief not always shared by others). Of course she has also done great work on Silkwood, Out of Africa, and The Deer Hunter.