Review of Triumph of the Will (1935) by Tom S — 28 Mar 2010
The most amazing thing about the movie is that Riefenstahl didn't answer for it at the Nuremberg War Trials. Her talent shines through in what looks like newsreel footage that slowly morphs into totalitarian pageantry, although the piece spends too much time leading up to the big event. Watching it recalls the China Summer Olympics ceremony.
The most surprising observation is that when Hitler isn't speaking he seems less than masculine. The way he physically returns those "seig heils" is almost cartoony. Chaplin's portrayal is even more impressive in retrospect. But give Hitler the microphone and he's a terror. His voice makes me want to crawl behind something and hide. All in all, I don't think his shtick would have played well without a tightly controlled media.
This review of Triumph of the Will (1935) was written by Tom S on 28 Mar 2010.
Triumph of the Will has generally received positive reviews.
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