Writer-director Terrence Malick’s new film, “A Hidden Life,” tells a story of a man who follows his conscience even at the risk of death. He is not a prominent person, such as the hero of “A Man for All Seasons,” but a humble farmer in Austria who, on being drafted into the German army after the Nazi occupation of his country, refuses to swear the required allegiance to Hitler.
Malick’s screenplay, based on the true story of Franz Jãgerstãtter, follows the path of Franz, performed stoically by August Diehl, whom we see going through hell as a result of his steady adherence to conscience. He is imprisoned and brutally treated, with periodic opportunities to save himself if only he would sign the required loyalty oath.
Meanwhile, his wife, Franziska (Valerie Pachner), tends the farm and their three daughters. She is frowned upon by townsfolk as disloyal, but she is loyal to her husband and his position. There is a heartrending scene in which she meets him in the Berlin prison where he is being held, but she is not the wife to plead with him to relent, even though she is fully aware of the likely consequences.
Malick directs with his noted attention to detail and landscape. The effect is that of a classic tale, strengthened by concern for his characters and all of the human elements involved. He shows us the terrible treatment of prisoners reflecting the Nazi terror. The film could be trimmed—it is close to three hours long. But one leaves with strong imbedded impressions of all that can be involved in such a desperate situation.
Of course, built in is the inference that conscience matters, and if someone like Franz could act as he does, what about people today who need to follow their conscience even in the face of lesser perils? A Fox Searchlight release. Reviewed December 13, 2019.