First released in France in 2023, The Goldman Case is a great watch – not just for its account of Jewish revolutionary Pierre Goldman’s gripping trial and intense personality but for the wider questions that is asks about French society.
In the semi-biographical film, Goldman, who was born to Polish parents, vehemently denies the claims that he has murdered two women and accuses the court – and the French police – of racism.
A passionate left-wing activist, Goldman is ready to sacrifice his life for his principles, and his controversial political history – as well as his childhood, family, and mental health – are all drawn into question.
Goldman affirms that that he is innocent “because I am innocent” and is enraged by the prosecution creating a stereotypical image of a murderer rather than focussing on the facts relating to the crime.
A timely piece, the film manages to represent the issue of post-war anti-Semitism in France along with the systematic and personal biases that persisted against Jewish, black and Arabic people.
Worthalter’s flair as Goldman, as well as the rousing subject matter, succeeds in transforming a singular room into a battleground of political ideology – expanding the trial into a wider discussion, whilst still keeping the audience invested in Goldman’s personal story.
Goldman and his leftist cult following bring the courtroom to life and turn it into a spectacle in and of itself with their passionate exclamations – which break through the nervous silence of a film that has no soundtrack.
Whilst one-man cries “Goldman, murderer!” during the case, fans of the convicted killer intermittently shout “Goldman, innocent!”, making the film a compelling watch as the tension between the two sides, and their ideological standpoints, grows.
By the end of the film the audience are left on the edge of their seat as the jury’s verdict on Goldman’s case – and the wider questions that it poses about France – is revealed.
The Goldman Case is showing at Home cinema in Manchester until 3 October.
Featured image: The Goldman Case Poster at Home Cinema
