A movie every political person should see.

I'm a budding movie snob, trying to see all the movies people consider landmarks in the development of cinema as an art form. A few days ago, I saw "Triumph of the Will", a movie I had dreaded seeing for ages. I can now say it is by far the most important film I've ever seen. The methods of enchanting crowds with songs and marches, the things Hitler put in his speeches and the constant display of flags are themes I've seen in political propaganda of political movements of every stripe. The cinematography of the movie itself is amazing, from running shots of Hitler's plane flying over Nuremberg to long shots of Hitler walking down row after row of ardent supporters on his way to pay respects to von Hindenberg.

Everyone should see this movie independently of the renewed interest sure to develop in it with the death of Riefenstahl. You may think you know propaganda and are immune to manipulation, but even I was taken in by the paegentry in "Triumph of the Will." I was never more disturbed by any of my reactions to any movie. Its effects are powerful and hypnotic in a way that I am afraid to admit. I understand better than I ever did why appeals to order, safety and unity through nationalism are so powerful. At the same time, it reinforced everything I dislike about right-wing ideology and the use of patriotism as a bludgeon against the people.

I strongly suggest everyone on this board see this film. If you've already seen it, I'd enjoy hearing your comments on what you thought of it.

Its especially jarring after some of Shrubbie's photo op stunts to see where his team got the idea from.

...how kkkarl rove was sooo moved by the reaction bush jr. got when he threw the first ball out at the World Series? He was so excited because it reminded him of a nazi rally. :wtf:

Of course, when you have the "guddem librul" media eating out of your hand and will not be held accountable, you're not afraid to say nonsense like that! :think:

made propoganda films during WWII too, many by Frank Capra. And most Hollywood movies are pro-war movies. It's hard to watch any American movie without seeing a vet or soldier portrayed as a proud hero and battles won by self-righteous Americans. Next watch Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory.

He said you rally got into it. He was born of German parents who worked in USA and was taken back to Germany as a boy of about 12 and had to go into the German Youth Group.He said you just felt your country could do no wrong. He said he liked it but his mother was really up tight and knew draft office man and finally got him into a group that would not end up in Russia. He said his Uncle walked back from Russia with one leg and a cane and his mother was not going to have that happen to her children.Interesting I think and it is how we of my age saw Hitler and all those nuts. Flag and the whole nine yards. We would see them at the movie news and it made kids fear them. My mother always said it is the gov that is bad not the Germans. They are just in error to go along.

yeqrs ago. I also bought the DVD. It's important to see how images can be manipulated to rally people to a cause, regardless of how evil.

I think the current administration is quite adept at this.

:toast:

Remember, you're not a movie snob until you forget the #1 reason movies exist - to entertain.

So, enjoy the "landmarks in the development of cinema as an art form" but don't forget entertaining throwaway movies are fun, too!

And I loved "Triumph of the Will." I also loved Freddy vs. Jason!