Disturbingly Admirable Propaganda

Concluding my month of German cinema is the brilliantly fearsome documentary Triumph of the Will. This renowned masterpiece of propaganda, directed by the infamous Leni Riefenstahl, was commissioned by Adolph Hitler as a documentation of the 1934 Nazi Party rally.

It is understandably a hot topic of debate whether Riefenstahl was merely a hired gun or a Nazi sympathizer, a theory that continues to pop its head out even today, after years of her denying any political stance. The camera captures the absolute devotion the citizens have for their Fuhrer, beneath a salute that appears almost fatherly, and sometimes amidst a soft light that feels like it is coming from the heavens.

Whether you approve of Nazism or not (growing up Jewish, I obviously don’t) it’s impossible to ignore the ingenious eye of Triumph. Even during shaky moments that are obviously handheld, the camera depicts a nation proud for slowly overcoming its woes, behind the helm of a man who was an engrossing public speaker. The sheer girth of the armed forces, and even the farm workers, may get repetitive, but by the same token anyone in Germany back then who had doubts about the future could look at a film like this and easily decide to join or just feel comforted.

It is easy to accept Hitler as a leader. Though his comrades consider him likened to God, he speaks as if the country itself is God, humbly accepting his lot with the masses and apparently constructing a society in which there are no class or caste systems. Whenever he speaks, he looks directly in the eyes of the people before him, connecting one on one instead of bolstering any form of superiority.

This is scary to think of now, after the fact, but back then it would be inspirational to the masses who felt damaged by the devastation of World War I. Because though this film does show its share of marches and speeches, it also reveals fun behind the lines. You see the youth wrestling with one another, bands playing, people happily cooking for the cause. Everyone has a task that works towards the higher purpose of reinvigorating the German people. Everyone is important.

The cinematography is captivating. Whether shooting above and under arches or directly under a speaker, the composition is flawless. The people always take center frame, and individual expressions gain yet more importance when intercut with shots of troops passing by. Framing it all is an upbeat but professional musical composition, always in the background unless a speech is being given. The only dialogue heard are the speeches given by heads of departments, and juxtaposed with cheering crowds, every word actually heard is swallowed with importance.

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