Good (2008)

John Halder, a German literature professor in the 1930s, is initially reluctant to accept the ideas of the Nazi Party. He is pulled in different emotional directions by his wife, mother, mistress and Jewish friend.

Director:

Vicente Amorim

Writers:

C.P. Taylor (stage play), John Wrathall (screenplay)

Stars:

Viggo Mortensen, Jason Isaacs, Jodie Whittaker

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Viggo Mortensen	...	Halder
Jason Isaacs	...	Maurice
Jodie Whittaker	...	Anne
Steven Mackintosh	...	Freddie
Mark Strong	...	Bouhler
Gemma Jones	...	Mother
Anastasia Hille	...	Helen
Ruth Gemmell	...	Elisabeth
Ralph Riach	...	Brunau
Steven Elder	...	Eichmann
Kevin Doyle	...	Commandant
David de Keyser	...	Mandelstam
Guy Henry	...	Doctor
Adrian Schiller	...	Goebbels
Rick Warden	...	Brownshirt

Storyline

John Halder is a 'good' and decent individual with family problems: a neurotic wife, two demanding children and a mother suffering from senile dementia. A literary professor, Halder explores his personal circumstances in a novel advocating compassionate euthanasia. When the book is unexpectedly enlisted by powerful political figures in support of government propaganda, Halder finds his career rising in an optimistic current of nationalism and prosperity. Seemingly inconsequential decisions lead to choices, which lead to more choices... with eventually devastating effect.

---

Plot Keywords:

national socialism | heil hitler | censorship | corpse | looking at oneself in a mirror | 

---

Taglines:

Anything that makes people happy can't be bad, can it?

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance | War

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Adolf Hitler fought in the First World War in the 16th Reserve Regiment of the Bavarian Army. The regiment was later renamed the List Regiment in honour of its late CO. He was promoted to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) and was a regimental message-runner. These facts support Maurice's amusing fantasy of having given Hitler an order during the war (and being saluted in return).

---

Goofs

In the scene, when Halder takes a walk with his ex-wife in the cemetery, which is supposed to be in Berlin, Germany, Hungarian names are clearly visible on the gravestones.

---

Quotes

[Anne coughs from another room]
Halder: It's... it's another one of my students.
Helen: Oh.
Halder: Soaking wet, poor thing. Can't very well go home on a night like this.
Helen: Mm.
Halder: I've made up a bed.
Helen: [sighs] Will he be warm enough?

---

Soundtracks

Concentration Camp Band - Symphony No. 1 in D Major, 3rd movement
Written by Gustav Mahler

User Reviews

Better than expected...

So many tired themes about these times. This one, particularly, stands apart. I just liked it. WATCH THIS MOVIE.

Details

Official Sites:

Good Films Collective

Country:

UK Germany Hungary Cayman Islands

Language:

English German French

Release Date:

11 December 2008 (Hungary)

Also Known As:

Good

Filming Locations:

Hungary

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,508, 4 January 2009

Gross USA:

$27,276

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,552,024

Company Credits

Production Co:

Good Films Collective, Miromar Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1