Review of Downfall (2004) by Dustin W — 11 Mar 2011

"Sleep tight, children.".

With painstaking realism, Downfall adopts Traudl Junge's (Hittler's stenographer) point of view to recreate Hitler's final 12 days in his Berlin bunker.

Many (like me) will be interested in this film simply because it's supposed to humanize Hittler and show that he in fact had a very pleasant side to his personality. Though in practice the film does not focus on this subject anywhere near as much as some may expect. Sure, there are some instances where he musters quite a bit of charm and affection, but nothing unexpected (seriously the man had to have some good qualities for an entire empire to fall in love with him). For the most part, he is still the same evil madman we all love to hate.

The film does give insight into the man on a more personal level, which I feel is a very important insight to give. We get to know (although most will rightfully never agree or understand) his ideals, his passions (other than being satan), and his personal interactions.

When not directly dealing with Hittler and the people around him in his bunker, the picture focuses on images and sounds that can be found in just about every war film (gunfire, explosions, artillery-fire, troops dying, etc.) though these portions of the film are still immaculately staged.

Though the picture is nowhere near as controversial as many are lead to believe, Downfall still paints a haunting picture of history's most evil figure. And teaches a very valuable lesson: Those naive enough to be appalled at Hittler being portrayed with depth and positive characteristics, only fuel the possibility of another like him rising to power.