Battle Lost
After crashing the Q&A seminar of Deborah, David Irving proceeds to direct the audience to get his books instead of hers. When the seminar concludes, we are shown that no one has come to Deborah’s signing stall and that Irving has attracted every audience member. This imagery represents the battle between the two main forces of the film, and the imagery of the moment itself also signifies a loss for Deborah.
The Arrival Rain
When Deborah decides to not settle and fight against Irving, she meets with Anthony Julius to help her prepare her case, which is to be fought in London. When Deborah arrives there, she is shown riding a taxi and it’s raining quite heavily. Later on, when her first meeting with her case helper finishes, we are again shown rain. This imagery signifies the pouring problems she is about to face in the coming case. When it rains, it pours. When someone decides to fight against a force that wants to harm, one will face turbulence.
The Press Holds Power
At one point in the movie, David Irving calls on Professor Robert Jan Van Pelt. He questions Professor Robert about the holes through which the wire mesh pillars protruded. He manages to make a theatrical point and a catchy phrase of “No Holes, No Holocaust”. A short while after this, we are shown the members of the press rushing outside. This imagery signals a blow to our protagonist’s fight for the truth and shows us the importance of the press. Highlighted by the indignation of Deborah with her defense team.
Defeat
The last defense speech shown from Deborah’s team in the movie is shown to be exceptional, but the Judge asks a question which puts their whole case’s base premise into jeopardy. Then Deborah is shown left to uncertainty about the Judge’s decision. We see her get upset while discussing the judge’s question with her friend. Then we are shown Deborah giving an emotional speech to her students about how the people felt lost and had to be brave during the Holocaust. This imagery of her getting emotional and her dialogue of being lost represent her fear of losing the case and feeling the weight of her loss.
