Screen Time for Hitler

Video Essay

2020

research, writing, voice over & editing

advice from Ulrich Luecke

Have you discovered “funny” Hitler memes again in the police group chat? The next movie with Hitler and zombies? Time to face reality. The video essay deals with the figure of Hitler in films and as a historical person. How differently is Hitler shown and what are the reasons and effects of this? A look at film history helps to understand why the topic has not worn off to this day.

The video essay analyzes the relation of German society to the history of the Third Reich by comparing different depictions of Hitler. Usage of propaganda, historical revision and trivialization in films are investigated. The influence of different circumstances for filmmakers and the reception of audiences are used for an evaluation.