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I have a video tape of this documentary about the National Socialist Party Congress at Nuremberg in 1934. The cinematic technique is brilliant and the quality of the images Reifenstahl captures are simply awe inspiring. Has anyone else seen this or some of her other films like the Blue Light or the film she did about the 1936 Olympics in Berlin? Any thoughts on her work? NOTICE: I do realize that the subject matter of some of her work contains material that might be offensive to individuals of certain ethnic/religious orientation. I only respect her talents as a director/ film maker and either support or condemn her political affiliations both past and present. Nor am I attempting to start a flame thread by addressing/mentioning Reifenstahl, her film work or the National Socialist Party. I prefer to remain politically neutral. Thanks and peace to all. - maldar
I apologize if I went overboard. I finally figured out that this new ALERT feature appears on all new postings. Before I figured this out, I thought I had posted something that was offensive to the moderators, so I offered my disclaimer as not to upset any of the forums participants. Thanks to all. - maldar
Having watched the 'triumph of the will' i admire her work tremendeously.The propaganda films are often amusing to watch. In the US, during the WWII, 'Why we fight' produced by the US War Office (directed by Frank Capra and Anatole Litvak) are good one as well along with Vintage Warner Brothers Cartoons. No. I don't get offended by thier portrayal of evil buck teethed Japanese. Altho, from cinematography POV, they wont even come close to the brilliance of the 'Triumph of the will'. imho.
I'm familiar with Reifenstahl's work and had the occasion to see "Triumph of the Will" once again on A&E's fine Autobiography series, which included an excellent and insightful interview with Leni herself.The three times I have seen "Triumph of the Will," (43 years from first to last viewing), I have found it riveting, evocative and chilling--a prelude to the demise of the fascistic Nirvana it promised. In my opinion, the work stands as the pinnacle of propaganda cinematography--masterfully constructed, brilliantly filmed and edited, with special effects ahead of its time.
I am not empathetic to the message in the film nor the fascist climate in which it was produced. For one to make that assumption is, on its face, absurd in the extreme.
Appreciation of the filmmaker's art doesn't necessarily constitute acceptance of the philosophy or convictions of the artist.
The following thread mentions historical events, political groups, individuals and opinions that are of a controversial nature. It was never my intention to deliberately offend any participant of this forum by addressing the subject matter contained in the following thread. I would also like to state that I have never been a member of a group that would endorse or participate in actions that would engender harm to an individual or group of individuals based upon their racial, ethnic, religious or social background etc.. Nor do I have plans to affiliate myself with such a group in the future. I offer this explaination because some of my posting were issued an ALERT by the moderators. If I have violated any of the rules of conduct, please accept by apologies as I meant no harm. Perhaps the moderators of this forum could inform myself and the other participants about which topics are "off limits" for discussion, so we can avoid addressing those subjects in the future. - maldar
Seeing the "Alert" button threw me, too, but you probably know by now that it appears on every message anyone sends. If you haven't already, you might go to the "General" forum and see the thread begun by Viktor Khomenko on the unease this has sparked. (BTW, I certainly haven't interpreted anything you've said as controversial.)--Jim
Saw "Triumph..." while in college around 1960. Even knowing what its subject matter represented, I still found it a chillingly effective piece of work.
Jim, the first time I saw the film was maybe a year or so ago. I was really impressed by its quality and by the technology of that era. If you went to college in the 60's you might remember a man named George Lincoln Rockwell. I have one of his books and a tape of his famous Brown University speech in 1966. Ever hear of Rockwell? - maldar
Oh yes...a real loony (not like the good-guy loonies inhabiting _this_ asylum) who headed the American Nazi Party. Saw him do a TV interview when I was back in D.C. while in the Navy. A real nutcase, and arrogant as they come. If I'm not mistaken, one of his disgruntled cronies wasted him.--Jim
Jim, it's hard to believe that Rockwell was a Commander in the US Navy and served with honorable distinction in both WW2 and Korea. Your right about him being shot by one of his followers. The Nazi image was just an attempt to get publicity for his political viewpoints and to some degree it worked. Rockwell's place in the history of revolutionary American politics will always be either ignored or dismissed by those in power as not significant or valid. But his lnfluence, amongst those involved in white racialist groups in the US is still profound and Commander Rockwell is considered a martyr and hero for that cause. - maldar
***I have a video tape of this documentary about the National Socialist Party Congress at Nuremberg in 1934. The cinematic technique is brilliant and the quality of the images Reifenstahl captures are simply awe inspiring. Has anyone else seen this or some of her other films like the Blue Light or the film she did about the 1936 Olympics in Berlin? Any thoughts on her work?Yes. Brilliant.
But even more remarkable is her life - starting scuba diving at 70 and shacking up with a 50-year old guy at 90, among other things. She had an incredible talent that was largely dumped upon after the war - form your own opinion whether she did or did not deserve it. As a director she had very few equals, as a remarkable person - fewer yet. That doesn't make her right - but her life story is not your trivial reading.
You may have hard time finding her other movies, but her life story: "The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl" is a must see.
***NOTICE: I do realize that the subject matter of some of her work contains material that might be offensive to individuals of certain ethnic/religious orientation. I only respect her talents as a director/ film maker and either support or condemn her political affiliations both past and present. Nor am I attempting to start a flame thread by addressing/mentioning Reifenstahl, her film work or the National Socialist Party. I prefer to remain politically neutral.And I am fiercely anti-fascist - that doesn't stop me from seeing her qualities.
I don't see such disclaimer as necessary.
Victor, I know from your participations in these forums that you are a very well educated , thoughtful and intelligent person. I offered my disclaimer because there are other participants who are less mature and perceptive than yourself. If I didn't fully explain my query some problems might result, therefore I deemed it necessary. I respect your anti-facist political stance and I image many others would concur with you. On the films, Amazon.com has the Reifenstahl collection on video and DVD, including the one you mentioned. If you can get to a Best Buy store, The Occult History of the Third Reich and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich are excellent, reasonably priced video collections. Thank you for the reply. - maldar
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