This film, though earnest and often compelling, is trapped somewhere in between. It never fully finds a voice.

If Goebbels’ inner life is mostly just a maw of self-interest, the depth of his murderous antisemitism is also keenly felt.

Perhaps there can be nothing totally new to say on film about Hitler and nazism, but Lang is interesting on the hidden disbelief and fear that existed among the leaders.

The film cleverly fuses drama with actual newsreel footage and, as compelling as it is disturbing, is well worth seeing.