American Traitor – Movie Review
Director: Michael Polish (The Astronaut Farmer)
Writer: Vance Owen, Darryl Hicks, Michael Polish (Screenplay)
Writer: William E Owen, Vance Owen (Book)
Cast
- Meadow Williams (Den of Thieves)
- Al Pacino (The Godfather)
- Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong, Next)
- Carsten Norgaard (The Three Musketeers)
- Marcus Rafinski (Speed Kills)
- Swen Temmel (In Time)
Plot: American Traitor follows the life of American woman Mildred Gillars and her lawyer who struggles to redeem her reputation.
Runtime: 1 Hour 49 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: American Traitor starts as Mildred Gillars (Williams) is arrested and charged with treason. Thereby, facing the death penalty. Lawyer James Laughlin (Pacino) has reluctantly taken the role of defending her. Meanwhile, Billy Owen (Temmel) takes a role in working with Laughlin on this case.
As the case rolls along, we get to see how Mildred was the voice of the propaganda machine in Germany. Despite not having much choice about her role, knowing it was this or death. This leaves us wondering if she will escape the death penalty or not.
Verdict on American Traitor
American Traitor is a courtroom drama focusing on a radio host for the Nazi propaganda machine being accused of treason. The movie will highlight the roles people were forced to have in war. Even if they did what they could to help with a difficult approach.
It is based on a real case, one that will challenge the humanity of people in the aftermath of war. Showing that despite winning the war, the American machine didn’t want anyone who was an enemy still alive.
The way this story is told isn’t the clearest, because we jump around the backstory. Never focuses on the order of what happened, more on the most important moment for that discussion.
Meadow Williams is great in the leading role, showing the strength her character showed through the difficult times. Both in court and in Germany, where she stood up for what is right. Al Pacino dominates on-screen during the courtroom scenes. The rest of the cast is fleshed out well too.
Where to Watch: American Traitor to stream on Sky now.
Final Thoughts – American Traitor is an interesting courtroom drama.
