Our Hitler: A Film from Germany (1977)
This inventive, exhaustive seven-hour film looks at the rise, reign and demise of Adolf Hitler. German director Hans Jürgen Syberberg, who was a child during World War II, doesn't try to recreate history to the letter. Instead, he places his actors -- many of whom play several roles -- on a stage and has them reenact events based on and inspired by Hitler's life. The action combines traditional narration and historical characters, but also idiosyncratic tweaks, like the use of puppets.
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Truly Dreadful Film
In other words,this film is a surreal ride.
It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.
This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
"Hitler - ein Film aus Deutschland" or "Hitler: A Film from Germany" (and there are more titles for this one) is a West German film from 1977, so this one will have its 40th anniversary next year. The writer and director is Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, a filmmaker who turned 80 last year and he is known for his films being usually fairly long ("Parisfal", "Ludwig"), but with this one he takes runtime certainly to the next level. This movie runs for over 7 hours and it is among the longest films ever made I am sure. It consists of 4 acts, 3 of them being roughly 1.5 hours long and the second act being the longest at almost 2.5 hours. The film features some well-known German actors from the 1970s and it won Peter Kern also a German Film Award (together with another movie). The strong thing about this film is that it is basically a great, pretty unique lesson on German history and that includes culture, music, film and most of all politics. But even if I was always interested in German politics of the first half 20th century, I must say this one dragged a lot on many occasions and I cannot say I enjoyed the watch a whole. I did enjoy the music for sure and my favorite sequence was probably everything that had directly to do with Hitler, such as the brilliant ventriloquist sequence. But these are only exceptions taken from a film that is mediocrity all in all and I believe the film does not have even close to enough when it comes to such memorable sequences. Apart from that, i also think a film should be seen on one day and this is almost impossible with this one we have here. I have to give it a thumbs-down. Not recommended.
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.
"Our Hitler" is, without question, the very worst film I have ever tried to sit through. I have to admit I did not sit through the entire 7 or 8 hours. I left shortly after a man who claimed to have been Hitler's valet gave a very long speech about Hitler's underpants. At that point, I decided someone must have been playing a very cruel practical joke on me. Apparently, there are a number of people who think very highly of this film. I cannot understand why, unless they are masochists - or unless it really was some sort of surrealistic practical joke. Seriously? You liked seeing someone talking about Hitler's underpants?
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.