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(Google Images)
(Google Images-Triumph of the Will)
(History Place - Triumph of Hitler, 3)
Why was the film "Triumph of Will" significant to the rise of Hitler's Nazi regime? The following will provide some general questions and answers about the film in relation to the research question provided.
Quite simply, What was the film, "Triumph of the Will' about?
The film is a documentary of the Nazi's Nuremburg Rally of 1934. According to one source, "Triumph of Will was an impressive piece of artistic propaganda, glorifying Hitler and portraying the Nazi party as a unified, powerful movement that had rejuvenated the nation" (Bendersky 128).
(Google Images)
Was the film originally intended to be a propaganda film?
No, Hitler and the Nazi leadership commissioned Riefenstahl to film the rally. The film has been described as, "the prototype for a political film used for propaganda purposes" (Marcus 84).
Why was the Nazi Rally held in Nuremburg?
"For the Nazis, the heart of their movement was the magnificent medieval city of Nuremburg, symbolizing the link between Germany's Gothic past and it's Nazi future" (History Place, 1).
Who created this film?
Under Adolf Hitler's order, the Nazi Propaganda Ministry commissioned Leni Riefenstahl, a well known and award winning German filmaker, whom Hitler admired, to make the film. (Hinton 19-20).
Was Riefenstahl a member of the Nazi Party?
No, Riefenstahl was never actually a member of the Nazi Party. Though she was held and detained after the war, she was never charged, but her image suffered a great deal. She is quoted as saying, "I will never get rid of the shadows of the past" (Marcus, 85).
What set this film apart from previous Nazi films of the era?
"Riefenstahl's use of moving cameras, telephoto lenses, distorted perspectives and aerial photography captivated audiences. Her revolutionary approaches towards music and cinematography remain unquestioned" (Economist). In addition, it was a film that had the full support of the party, the Propaganda Ministry and of course, Hitler himself. (dasblauelicht).
Even though "Triumph of the Will" was not intended to be a propaganda film, why was it used as one?
The Nazi Party saw film as a way to reach a large amount of people with their political and cultural views. To them, "cinema was unexcelled in its ability to play upon the emotions" (Welch, 65).
Is the film still available to watch today?
Yes, included is a link that shows a clip from the film. You will see evidence of the triumphant music used in the opening credits and the awe inspiring shots of Hitler's arrival in Nuremburg.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BddVfcQx-v4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BddVfcQx-v4
(Google Images-Triumph of the Will)
Is it true that music also played a large role in the film?
Yes, in addition to its praised film style, the music of the film was also praised as an important element of the film's success. According to once source, "The film builds on rhythmic, visual and thematic continuites between shots that, individually, are framed to convey a sense of granduer. The music emphasises the granduer and gives it resonance" (Morgan, 7).
What are some examples of this filming style?
This scene features one of many filming techniques used by Riefenstahl to portray Hitler.
(History Place - Triumph of Hitler, 3)
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