Watch Zalmen or the Madness of God

Zalmen or the Madness of God is a powerful drama that explores the themes of faith, identity, and madness. Released in 1975, the movie stars Joseph Wiseman, Richard Bauer, and Robert Prosky in leading roles. Set in the years after World War II, the story follows Zalmen Glick, a Jewish man who returns to his hometown of Warsaw after surviving the Holocaust. Wracked with survivor's guilt and struggling to make sense of his experiences, Zalmen turns to religion in a desperate attempt to find meaning in his life.

But as he delves deeper into his faith, Zalmen's sanity begins to slip away from him. Tormented by visions and haunted by the ghosts of the past, he becomes increasingly erratic and unstable. His family and friends grow concerned for his well-being, but Zalmen is convinced that his madness is a necessary part of his spiritual journey.

As the story unfolds, we see Zalmen grappling with the weight of his traumatic history and the demands of his faith. His quest for meaning and redemption becomes a desperate battle for survival, as he struggles to hold onto his sanity in a world that seems determined to tear him apart.

The movie is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, delving into the complex interplay between trauma, religion, and identity. Joseph Wiseman delivers a standout performance as Zalmen, capturing the character's inner turmoil and descent into madness with riveting intensity.

Richard Bauer and Robert Prosky also deliver strong performances as Zalmen's brother and father, respectively. Their characters serve as a kind of anchor to Zalmen's unraveling psyche, providing a counterpoint to his increasingly feverish visions and delusions.

The movie is also notable for its stark, uncompromising portrayal of the aftermath of the Holocaust. Through Zalmen's struggles, we see the lasting impact of trauma and loss on survivors, as well as the challenges of rebuilding a sense of identity and purpose in a world that has been shattered by war and genocide.

Overall, Zalmen or the Madness of God is a haunting, thought-provoking movie that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It is a challenging work that invites viewers to confront difficult questions about faith, identity, and the human condition, and is a must-see for anyone who appreciates powerful, emotionally resonant cinema.