Opinion: ‘The Zone of Interest’ — a Holocaust Movie Without Jews?

Opinion: ‘The Zone of Interest’ — a Holocaust Movie Without Jews

In the realm of cinema, few subjects demand as delicate a handling as the Holocaust. It is not just a topic of historical significance but an emotional cornerstone for many, particularly within the Jewish community. Thus, any artistic endeavor touching upon this dark chapter of human history is scrutinized, both for its historical accuracy and for its sensitivity towards those directly affected. It’s in this charged atmosphere that “The Zone of Interest,” a film directed by Jonathan Glazer, finds itself embroiled in controversy.

A Holocaust Movie with a Different Perspective

At the heart of the debate is Glazer’s distinctive narrative choice. Rather than centering the film on the victims of Auschwitz, “The Zone of Interest” explores the life of Rudolf Höss, the notorious commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, and his family. This perspective shift is significant — the film chooses to focus on the ordinariness of Höss’ domestic life against the backdrop of one of the most horrific atrocities in human history.

Some critics and members of the global Jewish community have found this angle not merely controversial but offensive. The argument hinges on the idea that by focusing on the domestic life of a Nazi officer, the film inadvertently humanizes the perpetrator while silencing the voices of the millions of victims. Critics argue that this approach risks trivializing the Holocaust, reducing its horror to a mere backdrop for a story about mundane life.

A Creative Vision with Controversial Implications

Glazer has defended his work by stating that his intention was to pierce the veneer of normalcy that surrounded those who perpetrated the Holocaust. He aimed to show that these were not monsters of another realm but human beings capable of loving their families while committing unspeakable acts. This duality is, no doubt, a chilling reminder of the banality of evil — a concept famously articulated by philosopher Hannah Arendt.

However, this artistic choice has not been without its detractors. Critics point out that a film about the Holocaust in which Jews remain unseen or unmentioned ventures into problematic territory. It risks erasing the specificity of Jewish suffering in the Holocaust and, worse, plays into a narrative where the victims become footnotes in their own tragedy.

Why This Matters

The controversy around “The Zone of Interest” is emblematic of broader debates about how we remember and represent historical traumas. The Holocaust, owing to its scale of human suffering and the specific targeting of Jews for extermination, holds a unique place in historical memory. Any representation thus carries the weight of this history.

Furthermore, the film’s reception raises questions about the responsibility of artists when dealing with such topics. While artistic freedom is a cornerstone of creative expression, many argue that there should be a degree of responsibility, particularly when dealing with subjects of profound human suffering.

This controversy has also sparked debates on the role of censorship and the moral obligations of filmmakers. Should films about the Holocaust always center on the victims’ perspectives, or is there room for exploring the human complexities of those who were complicit in their suffering? These are not easy questions, and “The Zone of Interest” has undoubtedly added fuel to this ongoing debate.

As such, the film serves as a reminder of the power of cinema not only to tell stories but to provoke thought, evoke empathy, and, sometimes, stir controversy. In the end, how we choose to represent history, with all its complexities and nuances, speaks volumes about how we understand ourselves and our capacity for both good and evil.