The story needs to be reminded of every now and then. This Polanski version is as eloquent and strict in restrained discipline as José Ferrer's version of 1958, and the same review that I wrote about that film could be written here. Polanski's version is more "photo-realistic" though, more exact and less theatrical. There are no dazzling prominent film stars here like in Joé Ferrer's film, where he himself played Dreyfus. The parts of Dreyfus and Esterhazy (Ferrer and Anton Walbrook in that version) are minimal here and reduced to no more than what's necessary. Instead this film is almost consistently documentary in character, with certain typical Polanski dramatic turns though. It is exquisitely made in its perfect discipline, and even Alexander Desplat's music is reduced to mere basics. It is built up as a thriller, and the great trial scenes are the dramatic highlight. This is definitely one of Polanski's best films, if not the very best, which is not a bad verdict, considering how many excellent films he has made. It is the perfect history lesson and paramount as such.
Review of An Officer and a Spy
