German Film 1933-45 Themes.
ANSWER
Important themes in German movies from 1933 to 1945:
Nationalism and propaganda: The spread of Nazi ideology and nationalism was a key issue in German movies at the time. Films like “Hitlerjunge Quex” (1933) glorified the Nazi government by telling the tale of a young boy who joins the Hitler Youth. These movies sought to indoctrinate spectators and encourage allegiance to the state.
Anti-Semitic Propaganda: The propagation of prejudice and anti-Semitic stereotypes was another important issue. As a glaring example, the 1940 film “Jud Süß” portrays Jews negatively and incites animosity toward them. These movies had a significant role in disseminating anti-Semitic propaganda and ultimately aiding in the Holocaust.
War and battle: World War II’s escalating tensions and eventual full-scale battle were depicted in movies like “Morgenrot” (1933) and “Titanic” (1943). They portrayed German soldiers’ bravery and sacrifices, generating a sense of nationalism and backing for the war effort.
Government:
The German film industry was under the severe control of the Nazi regime at this time. The Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, was instrumental in influencing movie plots to support Nazi ideology. It was a significant tool for swaying public opinion and maintaining population control because the government imposed censorship, barred Jewish professionals from the business, and supported movies that were propaganda vehicles.
UFA:
During the Nazi era, UFA (Universum Film AG) dominated the German film industry. UFA, which was run by the government, created a lot of propaganda movies, including “Jud Süß.” It was crucial in using movies to further the government’s goals. Despite being influenced by the government, UFA was able to flourish during this time thanks to its cooperation with the regime.
prominent person:
Renowned director Leni Riefenstahl played a pivotal role in the growth of German cinema during the Nazi era. Propaganda movies she produced and directed include “Triumph of the Will” (1935), a film renowned for its breathtaking cinematography and depiction of Nazi rallies. The work of Riefenstahl had a long-lasting influence on cinematic methods and the use of film as propaganda.
Movie Analysis
The 1944 film “Theresienstadt” serves as a striking illustration of how Nazi propaganda permeated the film industry. This film attempted to cover up the atrocities of the Holocaust in a deceitful way by claiming to depict how Jews were treated humanely in a concentration camp. The purpose of the movie was to deceive the world community and minimize the crimes committed by the Nazis. The extent to which propaganda was used to sway public opinion during the Nazi era are made clear by examination of this movie.
QUESTION
Description
Indicate three major topics that you find prominent and indicative for the German film of the period between 1933 and 1945. Describe those topics / themes. Give examples of films in which these topics / themes are represented and describe how.
Length: 250 – 300 words
Add an empty line.
Write the subtitle 2. Government.
Add an empty line after the subtitle.
Describe the role the government played in German film industry and distribution in the period between 1933 and 1945.
Length: 100 – 150 words
Add an empty line.
Write the subtitle 3. UFA.
Add an empty line after the subtitle.
Describe the UFA and the role it played in the development of German film in the period between 1933 and 1945.
Length: 100 – 150 words
Add an empty line.
Write the subtitle 4. Person.
Add an empty line after the subtitle.
Identify one figure (politician, film maker, film director, or actor/actress) who you think is of major importance for the development of the German film of the Nazi period. Describe why that person is important and provide details of their contribution to German film.
Provide a brief analysis of a film from this course. It can be the film we saw or another German film from the period of 1933 – 1945. The film should be different from the one(s) you included in your presentation.
{*Morgenrot • Dawn (1933) *Hitlerjunge Quex • Hitler Youth Quex *Schlussakkord • The Final Chord (1936) *Jud Süß • The Jew Suss (1940) *Theresienstadt (1944) *itanic (1943) *Ich klage an • I accuse (1941)}