The trouble with Holocaust movies is that they're about the Holocaust; they resurrect an illustrious horror, habited by history's most reliable demons, with little to say except that, yes, this was a tragedy. ADAM RESURRECTED isn't likely to fit anyone's definition of a Holocaust movie. As director Paul Schrader (AFFLICTION) summarized, "It's a film about a man who once was a dog who meets a dog who once was a boy." Clear enough? Jeff Goldblum plays Adam Stein, a Jeff Goldblum-esque Jewish entertainer who survived the concentration camps by being the personal dog for Commandant Klein (Willem Dafoe). While his wife and daughter were being incinerated, Adam was entertaining on all fours, fighting with a German Shepherd over scraps, and getting his ears lovingly scratched. Ever since, he's been in and out of a psychiatric hospital for survivors in Israel. There, the ex-magician casts his spell over patients and staff, particularly his gorgeous nurse Gina (Ayelet Zurer). But when Adam discovers an abused child in the hospital who acts like a dog, it brings back his traumatic past--and may offer a chance for redemption.

Based on the novel by Yoram Kaniuk, ADAM RESURRECTED is a mystifying mixed metaphor that skirts the edge between reality and dream. Enhancing the uncanny atmosphere is Goldblum who, warbling in and out of his German accent, is a delight to watch. If meaning is opaque, the film is resolutely fearless, with many moments not often seen on film--including a Nazi appearing from a burning bush, canine sexual roleplay, and an adolescent in loincloth being led by chain--or likely seen again.

Blu-ray Disc Features:

Region [unknown]
Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 - English
Subtitles - English SDH, Spanish
Additional Release Material:
Behind the Scenes: Adam Resurrected: Behind The Scenes

Distributor Notes: Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, The Fly) as Adam Stein delivers one of the most powerful performances of his career in this compelling, unforgettably moving film. Tormented in a World War II concentration death camp by a high-ranking Nazi officer (Oscar nominee* Willem Dafoe, Spider-Man), Adam spends the next 15 years tucked away in a remote experimental insane asylum with fellow Holocaust victims. Clinging to the remains of his sanity, Adam uses his amazing magic and comic skills to entertain the residents and develops a relationship with an attractive nurse (Ayelet Zurer, Angels & Demons). But only when he reaches out to a mentally scarred young boy does he begin to confront his own pain and guilt and start to heal in this extraordinary testament to the fierce resilience of the human spirit. *Best Supporting Actor: Platoon, 1986; Shadow of the Vampire, 2000

Jeff Goldblum: American actor
Willem Dafoe: American Actor
Derek Jacobi: Shakespearian actor best known for "I, Claudius"
Ayelet July Zurer: Actor, NINA'S TRAGEDIES (2005)
Moritz Bleibtreu: Actor, DAS EXPERIMENT (2002)

Paul Schrader: Screenwriter, director

Ehud Bleiburg: Producer
Werner Wirsing: Producer

3.5 stars out of 5 -- "ADAM RESURRECTED is a very different treatment of the Holocaust and its aftermath. Jeff Goldblum is extremely impressive....The film has genuine originality..."