Russell Crowe Nuremberg box office news is making headlines as the new World War II drama, Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, has surpassed the domestic earnings of the acclaimed film Downfall within its first week of release in the United States. While Nuremberg has yet to break global records, its swift box office performance marks a notable achievement, especially given its challenging subject matter and historical context.
Nuremberg Overtakes Downfall’s US Record
Launched less than a week ago, Nuremberg has already earned nearly $6 million at the US box office, overtaking Downfall’s entire domestic earnings, which stood at $5.5 million. Downfall, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is widely recognized for its depiction of Adolf Hitler’s final days and has long been considered one of the most powerful films about that time period. Despite its Oscar nomination and critical acclaim, Downfall’s earnings were primarily from international markets, amassing close to $95 million worldwide thanks to its success as a German-language film.
In comparison, industry experts note that Nuremberg is unlikely to reach those overseas figures. However, the film brings together two Academy Award winners—Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, the infamous Nazi war criminal, and Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, the American psychiatrist responsible for understanding Göring before the Nuremberg trials began. Their performances anchor a story that chronologically follows the conclusion of Downfall, beginning where the earlier film ends.
Critical Reception and Public Response
Directed by James Vanderbilt, Nuremberg debuted to largely favorable critical response. According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 69% score from critics. One consensus excerpt highlights,
“Driven by a commanding performance from Russell Crowe, Nuremberg is a handsomely crafted historical drama, but its measured pacing and emotional restraint keep it from fully realizing the complexity of its subject.”
— Critics, Rotten Tomatoes. While reviewers praise Crowe’s portrayal, some find the film’s nuanced approach less emotionally stirring than expected.
Audiences, on the other hand, have responded extremely well. Nuremberg boasts a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling strong word-of-mouth and general public approval.
Downfall’s Legacy and Director’s Subsequent Works
Downfall continues to maintain an impressive 90% rating from critics, earning the site’s “certified fresh” distinction. Following its success, Oliver Hirschbiegel transitioned to Hollywood with The Invasion, a science fiction film that faced extensive reshoots overseen by the Wachowskis and James McTeigue. Despite mixed outcomes in his subsequent projects, such as the criticized biopic Diana, Hirschbiegel returned to favor with the well-received World War II thriller 13 Minutes, centered on a failed attempt to assassinate Hitler.
Casting and Performances
Nuremberg features Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, delivering a performance that anchors the film’s emotional and narrative weight. Alongside him, Rami Malek portrays Douglas Kelley, the American psychiatrist whose task is to unravel Göring’s psyche for the impending trials. The inclusion of these Oscar-winning actors is cited as a significant draw for audiences and a key factor in the film’s domestic box office momentum.
Significance and What Comes Next
The overtaking of Downfall’s US box office total by Nuremberg, especially in such a short period, highlights shifting audience interests and the continued relevance of World War II stories on screen. As Nuremberg plays in theaters, its performance may signal Hollywood’s willingness to revisit historical dramas with fresh perspectives and acclaimed casts like Crowe and Malek. Moviegoers and industry watchers are keeping an eye on its trajectory, as its performance may shape the reception and production of future historical films dealing with difficult subject matter.
