Based on the arresting true story of the Executioner of Emplaned, The Captain, from award-winning filmmaker Robert Schwentke (Red, Insurgent), is a World War II tale like no other—a searing historical drama with undertones of absurd black comedy that presents the evils of Nazism and fascism as a devastating kind of game to be played by those most gullible and unscrupulous.
The Captain follows a young German army deserter, Pvt. Willi Herold (rising star Max Hubacher), after he finds an abandoned Nazi captain’s uniform in the final weeks of World War II. Emboldened by the authority the uniform grants him, he amasses a band of stragglers who cede to his command despite the suspicions of some. Citing direct orders from the Fuhrer himself, he soon takes command of a camp holding German soldiers accused of desertion and embarks on a brutal mission of torture and slaughter, all in the name of “justice.” Increasingly intoxicated by the unquestioned authority, the enigmatic imposter soon discovers that many people will blindly follow the leader…whomever that may be.
Filmed in stark black-and-white by cinematographer Florian Ballhaus (son of the legendary Michael Ballhaus), The Captain offers a disturbingly unique perspective of horrific historical events that allows audiences to glimpse universal truths about the human condition during wartime. For writer/director Schwentke, who returned to his native Germany to make the film, it was that intense view through the eyes of the villainous protagonist that provided the film’s power.
Bonus Features
.Filmmaker Q&A with director Robert Schwentke from Chicago premiere at the Music Box Theatre
.Interview with director Robert Schwentke
.Interviews with cast and crew
.Behind-the-scenes featurettes
.Storyboard-to-Film comparison
The Captain Blu-Ray-$34.95
The Captain DVD-$29.95
