It takes a moment for Bau, Artist At War to fully grab the viewer. This is because the makeup used to turn Hirsch into an old man is unconvincing. But once Bau’s time being persecuted by the Nazis becomes the focus, the film instantly captivates and never lets go. This is, in part, because Hirsch is a great actor. He finds a unique way of representing the character’s eternal optimism without coming across as naive, childish, or simply foolish. This isn’t to say Hirsch ignores the drama at all; in fact, his best scene comes near the end when he’s just yelling and goading. It never rings false or seems cartoonish.
Happily, the rest of the cast is up to the same level as Hirsch. Lavi is lovely and gives reason to all watching to also buy into Joseph Bau’s outlook on the Jews’ current situation. Tual is the perfect villain: loathsome, menacing, and too smart. The actor is scary in more than one scene. Blacker walks the line between pompous and intense. Josh Zuckerman brings a lot of heart to later moments as a tenacious lawyer, while Edward Foy plays Oskar Schindler without immediately evoking the most famous performance of that person.
“…Hirsch is a great actor.”
Directing-wise, Bau, Artist At War proves that McNamara just had a rare misfire as he’s in top form here. Going from color to black and white is a stark and brilliant move. Bau’s famous artwork is integrated in ways that don’t feel shoehorned or misplaced. But it is the visualization of Bau seeing his art come to life that makes this feel so different, in a good way, from other Holocaust-centric films. The lighting is also stark and moody, suggesting the grimness of it all with ease. The camera placement is also stellar, as shown when Joseph and Rebecca are witnesses to the murder of the Kommendant’s Jewish maid. The swinging door and sound design are more horrifying than anything that could actually be shown. McNamara also demonstrates mastery over the tone, with a light approach that showcases Joseph’s bubbly outlook, while the terrifying truth of their situation is never in question.
Bau, Artist At War is excellent from beginning to end. Yes, the old makeup is mediocre at best, but don’t let that minor detail get in the way of experiencing this truly uplifting, real story. The cast is great, led by a masterful turn by Hirsch. The directing is spot on and innovative, creating a beautiful yet haunting look to the proceedings. Joseph Bau would be proud knowing that his story is being told with such artistic merit and panache.
For more information, visit the official Bau, Artist At War site.
"…excellent from beginning to end."
