the five thirty show’s Grant Lauchlan talks to actors Bill Nighy and Eddie Izzard about their new film Valkyrie.
The film, which stars Tom Cruise, follows the German resistance as high ranked officers plot to kill Hitler and free Germany from the grasp of dictatorship.
The film’s subject matter has been somewhat lost in the annals of history, and the cast themselves admitted ignorance to the internal resistance amongst German officers.
“I didn’t know it was as large it was”, said Izzard. “Fifteen attempts [on Hitler’s life] happened.”
Eddie Izzard, more famous for his comedy than his acting, emphasised the importance of the film, especially for the next generation of Germans.
“I think it’s the first international film where German kids can watch Germans trying to kill Hitler, so I think it’s great for them,” he said.
Despite everyone knowing the ending, Bill Nighy praised the director for being able to capture the audience throughout the film.
“I think it’s a tribute to Bryan Singer, who is a very serious filmmaker,” said the English thespian. “He can really schedule the information so that it drives you nuts. There is a point about three quarters of the way through where people think, ‘well maybe this time they get to kill Hitler’. It’s really that effective.”
The film also features a supporting cast of top British talent including Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Brannagh and Terence Stamp.
Valkyrie is released January 23.
