Hitler, un film d'Allemagne

Most of this movie consists of people addressing the camera, while surrounded by ugly puppets and other pieces of junk. I'm astounded by the positive reviews. I'm left with only a slightly better knowledge as to why many Germans followed Hitler. This film would have made a much better book, with footnotes, citations of sources, and suggestions for further reading. But perhaps that was impossible. As I believe George Harrison once said, "Avant-garde means haven't got a clue." What is the difference between someone talking to you while he sits next to a candelabra and your reading what he has to say in a book? The same goes for speakers with old war film clips as background. I suppose one could argue that watching this film is a more visceral experience than reading a book on the same subject. However, this argument is undercut if the visceral experience is nausea.

My Rating : 8/10

Surreal, trance-like fairytale nightmare about the little man who wanted to be the most supreme.

Intelligent doesn't cut it for this masterpiece - it is way beyond that. An abstract, eccentric and caricature-ish depiction of the rise and fall of the madness and sickness that is Hitler.

Seek it out if you can.

I came across this film by accident whilst trying to locate another German made film and on discovering that the entire 7 hours is available free in real-time I began to watch. Those seven hours flew by and by the end I was left feeling stunned and somehow very insignificant. This is not a film to invite a few pals round for and throw pizza and beer in for good measure. This is a film to watch alone or maybe with someone who is interested in cinema as a means of transcending time and place. The images and audio presentations you will see and hear may well change your perceptions on life itself. Why this film is so little known is a mystery and perhaps it is only for the few and not the masses. It hits a spot somewhere deep inside and nestles in there and will never be entirely removed. See it and understand why 80 million Germans believed Hitler, a maniac, became for many, a god.

I saw this film when in premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival in 1977. Even 25 years later I can recall the stunning imagery and complexity of this landmark film.

To understand Hitler, to understand Germany, to understand the culture of the German people and their subsequent spiral into the vortex of World War II, this film is a must see.

It's unfortunate that it is not available on DVD (or VHS).

At a running time of over seven hours, the film festival people offered two intermissions during the showing. If you ever get to see this film be prepared for a test of your physical as well as your mental endurance.

I first have to say that I have a real fascination with Hitler. NOT admiration, fascination. This film was given to me by a friend who shared this intrigue. Rininger, upon giving me this film said "you are absolutely going to love this" Truer words will never be uttered. My friend passed away a few days ago, and I will be forever grateful that he introduced me to this (in my opinion)masterpiece of film making. This film is definitely not for everyone. But those who are able to take heavy doses of beauty and provocative discourse this film is a must. I was absolutely riveted the first time I saw it and continue to return to it on a regular basis to take whatever dose time might permit. The sets are to my eye breathtakingly wonderful. Despite the fact that I don't understand more than a word of German is a none issue. I find that I can ignore the subtitles and lose myself in the sheer passion. This film communicates on so many levels that it is impossible to walk away from it empty. It will probably take many many viewings before I can even scratch the surface of this films visual richness and cultural significance. I highly suggest the viewing of this film for any seriously art minded persons. John R. I thank you for alerting me to this delicious slice of experience. Love ya man.