The Zone of Interest
20237.0movie
People
The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
Most of the film takes place within the confines of the Hoss family home, a microcosm resting on the border of Auschwitz (called “Zone of Interest”), where only a stone wall separates them from the relentless atrocities on the other side. The idyllic family plot where we see Hoss’s wife and children conceals the ignominy of their collusion, giving what we cannot see a more resounding impact.
Director Jonathon Glazer wanted to remove cues that signalled the audience was watching a work of fiction and present the story in the most detached, objective way that he possibly could. This anti-filmmaking style, that disregarded artificial lighting, fancy camera moves, close ups and even having on set crew members present during shooting, was specifically catered to his vision for telling the story. “The Zone of Interest is not a story in the sense of a normal film. It’s about a man who has a lovely life with his family. He’s very good at his job.
