Photo by The Unsettling Beauty of June Zero
As I sat down to watch Jake Paltrow’s latest film, June Zero, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The film’s unique approach to storytelling, weaving together interconnected short films to explore the Holocaust and Israel’s founding, was both fascinating and unsettling.
The weight of history
The film’s conception, partly as a testament to Paltrow’s family’s Polish Jewish heritage, adds a layer of depth to the narrative. The screenplay, co-written by Paltrow and Israeli writer-director Tom Shoval, is set in the early 1960s and revolves around the trial and execution of Adolph Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust.
The dialogue, mainly in subtitled Hebrew, is fragmented and impressionistic, with intellectual and philosophical ideas taking center stage. The film’s cinematography, shot on 16mm film, has a timeless quality to it, evoking the feeling of watching a lost art-house movie from thirty years ago.
The trial that sparked debate
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of June Zero is its exploration of the cremation of Eichmann, a topic that sparked heated debate within the film. The opening story, about a young Israeli Jew working in a factory where Eichmann’s oven is being constructed, sets the tone for the rest of the film.
The film’s strongest moments come from the story of Haim, a Moroccan Jew and prison guard tasked with watching over Eichmann. Yoav Levi’s performance brings a sense of quiet intensity to the role, and his character’s struggles with the moral implications of his task are deeply relatable.
A moment of introspection
Another standout episode focuses on Micha, an investigator for the prosecution in Eichmann’s trial. Thom Hagy’s performance brings a sense of determination and conviction to the role, and his character’s struggles to come to terms with the atrocities committed during the Holocaust are deeply moving.
While June Zero is not without its flaws, its unique approach to storytelling and its thought-provoking exploration of the Holocaust and Israel’s founding make it a film worth watching. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to spark important conversations and to challenge our perspectives.
A haunting reminder
In Conclusion
June Zero is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Its unsettling beauty and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human history.
