Cinema Review: The Young Karl Marx

The Young Karl Marx

Director: Raoul Peck

Starring: August Diehl, Stefan Konarske, Vicky Krieps

Released: May 4

We begin in 1843, the year that Karl Marx and his family left Prussia for Paris, after the socialist journal which published many of his early articles, the Rheinische Zeitung, was banned by the government. We end in 1848, the year that saw the release of Marx and Engels’ jointly authored The Communist Manifesto and later (though not depicted) what became known as the Spring of Nations. In this five-year period, Marx works with, and struggles against, many luminaries of the late 19^th century’s political-revolutionary landscape, including Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Wilhelm Weitling and, most notably, Friedrich Engels.

In counterpoint to the lacklustre trailer which makes The Young Karl Marx look like a made-for-TV movie filled with cheaply dramatised historical references, Raoul Peck’s film is a well-crafted and meticulously researched success, being part period-drama, part political narrative, and part adventure of ideas. The latter aspect of the film is one that is notoriously difficult to pull off and though one or two slightly clunky moments occur, the demonstration of Marx and Engel’s intellectual labour makes for exciting viewing overall.

A major component of the film’s success is its acting. Frankly, it’s incredible that individuals who switch from German to French to English in the blink of an eye should also be talented performers. And the plot demands quality performances, as the heart of the narrative is not populated by momentous shifts in history, but is a portrayal of the intimacy of relationships – while Marx and Engels’ friendship is given de facto prominence, the degree to which each relies on their romantic partner is developed with nuance and genuine feeling.

While some (for whom Marx is irrevocably tarnished by the stain of Soviet terror) may be disappointed by the lack of self-reflective critique, I can easily recommend this intriguing biopic of one of history’s most important thinkers.

Words: Tom Lordan