Terror's Advocate (2007)

*Terror's Advocate* (2007) is a gripping documentary that delves into the life and career of Jacques Vergès, a lawyer renowned for defending some of the most controversial and reviled figures in history. Vergès, a former Free French Forces guerrilla, fearlessly took on cases that most others would shun, including Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie and Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy. The film examines his methods, exploring his unwavering commitment to his clients, his complicated relationship with justice, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in defending the indefensible. Through interviews and archival footage, the film paints a fascinating and often unsettling portrait of a man who embraced his reputation as "Terror's Advocate." As director, Barbet Schroeder consistently demonstrates a keen interest in exploring the darker, more complex corners of the human psyche. *Terror's Advocate* fits perfectly within Schroeder's filmography, echoing his thematic preoccupations with morally ambiguous characters, political intrigue, and the exploration of extremist ideologies. Schroeder's masterful direction presents Vergès's story without judgment, allowing the audience to grapple with the lawyer's motivations and actions while confronting uncomfortable truths about the nature of justice and the complexities of defending those accused of the most heinous crimes. The film's unflinching gaze and Schroeder's characteristic meticulousness make it a quintessential example of his cinematic style.