“The Boys from Brazil” The terrifying true identity of the black-haired, blue-eyed “boys”

A collaboration of famous actors drawn by fate

Another point to enjoy this work is the collaboration between the two great actors. When production began in 1977, Laurence Olivier, who was 70 years old and ailing, agreed to star in the film, and Gregory Peck immediately took on the role of Mengele. It is said that the reason why this famous actor, who has been hailed as ``America's conscience,'' took on the role of a villain, which is said to be the first of his career, was because he wanted to co-star with Olivier. Some media outlets were negative about his challenge, but Peck himself countered by saying, ``Olivier also felt that I was suitable for the role.'' I think Olivier's opinion was correct. From the first scene in which Mengele descends from a seaplane onto land, wearing a white three-piece suit, yellow tie, and a face that looks as if his shaving marks have been bleached with white powder, he becomes a man captivated by evil ideas. Peck's performance can undoubtedly be called a successful example of a makeover. Many fans would have liked to see more of Peck as a villain.

“The Boys from Brazil” (c) Photofest / Getty Images

And for the role of Lieberman, Olivier received his tenth and final Oscar nomination of his career. Coincidentally or not, it is said that the role of Christian Zell in `` Marathon Man '' (1976), for which he was nominated for his ninth Oscar, was based on Josef Mengele. He was the dreaded Nazi war criminal who pinned Deitin Hofmann on a treatment table and damaged the nerves in his teeth. The range of fluctuation is amazing! There will never be an actor like him again.

The climax of the fight between Mengele and Lieberman was made effective by the fact that Olivier was in extremely poor health at the time, and the film seemed to be filled with a fighting spirit that belied the action of two old men. I can't help but feel strong when I look at it. Looking back on that moment, Peck said with a laugh, ``It was like lying on the floor and fighting.''

What Arrival did the original author leave to modern people?