"Denial" Screenplay (2015) - David Hare
Overview
The complete shooting script for the 2016 film "Denial," written by David Hare and based on Deborah Lipstadt's book "History on Trial." This screenplay dramatizes the Irving v. Penguin Books and Lipstadt libel trial that took place in London from 2000, presenting the legal battle from Lipstadt's perspective. The script represents Hollywood's interpretation of the historical trial and its key participants.
Date Range & Structure
- Period: Screenplay dated 2015, multiple revision drafts
- Total Length: Approximately 6,376 lines
- Script Versions: Shooting script (03/11/15), Full Blue script (04/12/15), Pink revisions (03/01/15, 01/03/16)
- Production Company: Denial Ltd, London
- Word Count: ~255,000 characters
Key Themes
Legal Drama and Courtroom Proceedings
Dramatization of the complex legal arguments, evidence presentation, and courtroom dynamics during the high-profile libel trial. Focus on burden of proof reversal under English libel law.
Historical Truth vs. Denial
Central theme of defending historical accuracy against Holocaust denial, with emphasis on the importance of evidence-based historical methodology versus ideological revisionism.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility
Exploration of scholarly obligations, the challenges of confronting historical denial in academic settings, and the personal costs of defending historical truth.
Character Development
Portrayal of key figures including
David Irving,
Deborah Lipstadt, legal teams, and expert witnesses, with particular attention to their motivations and personalities.
Media and Public Perception
Depiction of how the trial was covered by media and perceived by various public audiences, including the challenges of legal strategies versus public relations.
Key Characters Portrayed
- David Irving - Portrayed as the libel claimant and Holocaust questioner
- Deborah Lipstadt - American historian and defendant
- Richard Rampton QC - Lipstadt's lead barrister
- Anthony Julius - Lipstadt's solicitor
- Charles Gray - Presiding judge
- Robert Jan van Pelt - Expert witness on Auschwitz
- Richard Evans - Expert witness on Irving's historical methods
Notable Scenes and Sequences
Opening at Auschwitz
Script opens with atmospheric scene at Auschwitz concentration camp, establishing historical setting and emotional gravity of the subject matter.
Academic Lectures and Confrontations
Scenes depicting Irving's lectures and confrontational style, contrasted with academic historical methodology and scholarly debate.
Legal Strategy Sessions
Behind-the-scenes development of legal strategy, showing the complexity of defending against libel claims while proving Holocaust denial.
Courtroom Cross-Examinations
Dramatic presentation of key courtroom exchanges, expert witness testimony, and legal arguments about historical evidence.
Personal Stakes and Consequences
Exploration of personal costs to participants, including financial burden, professional reputation, and emotional toll of the proceedings.
Production Context
- Writer: David Hare (acclaimed British playwright and screenwriter)
- Based on: "History on Trial" by Deborah E. Lipstadt
- Production Period: 2015-2016
- Director: Mick Jackson (when produced)
- Cast: Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt, Timothy Spall as Irving (when produced)
Historical Accuracy and Dramatic License
The screenplay represents a dramatization that takes significant creative liberties with historical events and participants. It presents the trial from Lipstadt's perspective and includes fictional scenes, composite characters, and dramatic enhancements typical of courtroom dramas.
Cross-References
Research Notes
This screenplay provides insight into how the trial was interpreted and dramatized for popular audiences. The script reveals the filmmakers' perspective on the case and their choices about which aspects to emphasize, compress, or modify for dramatic effect. Comparison with actual trial transcripts and contemporary accounts reveals the extent of dramatic interpretation versus historical accuracy. The script serves as a cultural artifact showing how major historical legal cases are adapted for popular consumption.
Cultural Impact
The resulting film contributed to broader public awareness of Holocaust denial, legal precedents in historical disputes, and the challenges facing academic historians confronting ideological challenges to established historical facts. The screenplay's approach influenced public understanding of the trial's significance and legacy.