The Empty Mirror

PG-13

Released Jan 29, 1999

1h 57m

Fantasy

List

71%

7 Reviews

Tomatometer

80%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

Trapped in an underground bunker amid the downfall of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler (Norman Rodway) tells the story of his life. At times erupting into fits of deluded nationalism and passionate rage, Hitler recounts his actions and motivations to the nameless young man (Doug McKeon) charged with typing his tale, as well as to numerous historical figures, including Joseph Goebbels (Joel Grey), Sigmund Freud (Peter Michael Goetz) and his troubled lover, Eva Braun (Camilla Søeberg).

Read More

Read Less

Prime Video

Rent The Empty Mirror on Prime Video, or buy it on Prime Video.

Audience Member

For those willing to join in Hershey's intellectual, psychological and historical exercise, there are rewards to be had in mulling over the terrible but fascinating issues the film raises.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

What if Hitler really didn't die in the war, and then was psycho-analyzed by Sigmund Freud? All his favorite peeps are there too: Braun, Goring, and Gobbels among others. Oh, and he is still a monstrous genocidal murderer. Seems off-beat, and it is, but still you see the man and the monster. Well acted, with excellent cinematography by Frederick Elmes. Co-produced by Jay Roach, of Austin Powers and Meet the Parents shame. No, it's absolutely not a comedy.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is probably one of the odder films I've seen--the way it takes on the persona of Hitler is original, even if it isn't entirely effective. It's kind of early Spielbergian, in a way, but not quite. You never get a feel for it; it always holds you at arm's length. It's interesting, maybe even awe-inspiring, but not exactly great.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A very dark and dingy portrayal of Hitler's last days in his bunker from Hitler's perspective. Not overly well made or completely accurate, but really shows how he lost his mind and how the insanity ran him.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Very very talking, and it gets old fast. Very well made though, good sets, costumes and cinematography. Claustraphobic. I am not that impressed with Norman Rodway's Hitler, he gives it a good effort, but no one can compare to bruno ganz in "Downfall". The best part of the film is the real film clips of Hitler. Stylish, but a little slow moving.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Barry J. Hershey

Director

Norman Rodway

Adolf Hitler

Joel Grey

Josef Goebbels

Camilla Søeberg

Eva Braun

Doug McKeon

The Typist

Peter Michael Goetz

Sigmund Freud

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

100%

66%

The Stormriders

58%

76%

Heart and Souls

17%

49%

Jack

4%

31%

Cool World

95%

93%

Wings of Desire

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Joe Leydon

The Moving Picture Show

The Empty Mirror gives us a portrait of Hitler as the ultimate auteur, a demented director who made the world his soundstage while bringing his personal vision to fruition.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 18, 2014

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 19, 2005

Full Review

Eric Lurio

Greenwich Village Gazette

Weird movie about Hitler in Hell.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 21, 2004

Full Review

Rob Blackwelder

SPLICEDWire

Rated: 1/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

TV Guide

Rated: 3/5

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Ed Kelleher

Film Journal International

A bold, demanding film that plunges the viewer into a realm of surrealist fantasy, The Empty Mirror isn't for the casual moviegoer, but it challenges the thoughtful viewer.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

Trapped in an underground bunker amid the downfall of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler (Norman Rodway) tells the story of his life. At times erupting into fits of deluded nationalism and passionate rage, Hitler recounts his actions and motivations to the nameless young man (Doug McKeon) charged with typing his tale, as well as to numerous historical figures, including Joseph Goebbels (Joel Grey), Sigmund Freud (Peter Michael Goetz) and his troubled lover, Eva Braun (Camilla Søeberg).

Director: Barry J. Hershey
Screenwriter: R. Buckingham, Barry J. Hershey
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 29, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.8K
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Stereo

Most Popular at Home Now