preview

Justice Gray Film Analysis

Decent Essays

In the movie, Justice Gray remains very quiet, only speaking when necessary compared to reading the transcripts from the court. He asked questions of clarification but also seems to have a harsher tone with Irving when he tries to expand his questioning on a matter that has already been debated in much length. In the movie, it isn’t until he gives his judgment that he plays a vital role, which is to be expected for a judge making a ruling on a matter as important as this one. It was clear throughout the trial, both in real life and during the movie that the defense was not trying to put the Holocaust on trial, but about putting Irving himself on trial. Irving countless times tried to use his “evidence” to prove that Hitler was a friend to …show more content…

In a New York Times article by Sarah Lyall (2000), Irving was splattered with a raw egg by a protester as he went to court in the morning (also shown in the movie) and slipped out the back down after the verdict was read. He later told the Press Association that he, “found the ruling “perverse” and “historically incredible.”” He also accused Professor Lipstadt and Penguin, “of enlisting the help of the “the leaders of the Jewish communities around the world” in an orchestrated effort to discredit him.” (Lyall, 2000). Some believed that the trial was turning into a matter of free speech and if the Holocaust had happened. Anthony Julius stated the case was not about whether the Holocaust took place, but whether there was any evidence to support Mr. Irving's views (Lyall, 2000). Professor Lipstadt stated, “...I’m not attacking free speech. On the contrary, I’ve been defending it against someone who wanted to abuse it. Freedom of speech means you can say whatever you want.What you can’t do is lie and then expect not to be held accountable for it. Not all opinions are equal, and some things happen, just like we say they do.” (Denial,

Get Access