Son of Saul * * *

The thing about the The Holocaust is that it was such an horrendous event that even to speak of it demands reverence. For seventy years since, writers, artists and historians have struggled to convey the true horror of it with both devastating impact and embarrassing inadequacy

But sometimes I think, as long as they are being respectful and earnest in their attempt to condemn this awful event their effort will be acknowledged, regardless of any shortcomings.

So I cannot help but wonder if the generous praise that has been heaped upon Son of Saul is more respectful acknowledgment of its subject matter than praise for a unique piece of cinema.

Son of Saul is not the most  moving or impressive drama I have seen on The Holocaust. To be honest half the time I found it quite annoying with it’s grainy, small frame, low light, hand held, artiness.   I mean this is real “look at me” arty-farty European cinema. It looks like it could have been made in the 50’s or 60’s. by a dilettante or film students. You know that “serious cinema” look?  I’m surprised they didn’t go all out and  shoot it in black and white.

The story is tragic (well of course) but it shows us the tragedy through a member of the Sonderkommando who were prisoners chosen to assist the SS with their evil work.

Saul was one of these Sonderkommando prisoners. We follow him for a day and  a half.  

As they take bodies from  from the gas-chamber a twelve year old boy is found to be breathing, but he dies shortly after.  One of the  doctors, who is a Jew forced by the SS to work for them, is instructed to give him an autopsy. Saul tells the doctor the boy is his son and that he wants to give him a proper Jewish funeral. The events in the story then unfold around Saul’s determination to go through with this funeral as he tries to do his work whilst carrying (or hiding) the boy's wrapped body: (Yes, it’s mightily symbolic).

Son of Saul also shows us three extraordinary - and  famous - historical incidents that took place at Auschwitz: although they would have been months apart they make them happen on the same day so Saul can be  part of them.

In Son of Saul you don’t get panoramic views of the camp. Except for some key scenes you see very little of the SS: their ubiquitous presence is conveyed through their constant demanding voices.  The prisoners work in a crowded labyrinth. Dead bodies are dragged down hallways, mountains of crematory ash are shoveled into the river.  Everyone is working, working. The noise never stops and all of the time we are with Saul - like a fly on the wall documentary.

But for all that intensity  I found its self conscious creativity to be undermining the drama rather than enhancing it.

I acknowledge that any sincere attempt to give us  further insight into the Holocaust is probably well meaning and worthy -  but that doesn’t necessarily make it effective.