Jake Paltrow, an American filmmaker, directs "June Zero", a thought-provoking anthology of interconnected short films that artistically blend the subjects of the Holocaust and Israel's foundation. The film pays respect to his Polish Jewish heritage and is uniquely presented through a screenplay co-written with Israeli writer-director Tom Shoval. The narrative is set in the early 1960s, framed around the trial and execution of Holocaust's key mastermind, Adolph Eichmann, who was captured in Argentina and extradited to Israel, sparking debates on international sovereignty.
The film is a mosaic of impressionistic moments, incorporating intellectual and philosophical ideas, and evoking strong emotions. It opens with a young Israeli Jew working in a factory, involved in the construction of a cremation oven designed for Eichmann, prompting fiery debates within the film about Old Testament retribution, inappropriate tourism, and Jewish burial traditions.
The film dexterously handles nuanced subplots, exploring Haim (Yoav Levi), a Moroccan Jew and prison guard in charge of Eichmann, and Micha (Thom Hagy), an investigator in Eichmann's trial. Haim's character reflects the challenges of surveillance amid echoes of Eichmann's potential assassination, while Micha's character explores the necessity of Israel's existence, invoking a compelling debate on linking Jewish identity solely to the Holocaust.
Interestingly, the film presents Eichmann partially, avoiding entirely his face, presumably to prevent his overshadowing the narrative or triggering comparison with Eichmann's actual likeness. Despite some fluctuations in its storytelling efficacy, "June Zero" is commendable for bravely tackling this difficult intersection of the Holocaust and Israel's establishment. Shot mostly in handheld 16mm film cinematography, the film succeeds in engaging the viewer's intellect, providing a unique cinematic experience.
