Downfall: A Review.

April 21, 2008 in Article
Tags: Downfall, film, Genocide, Germany, Hitler, Holocaust, Oliver Hirschbiegel, The Experiment, Third Reich.

German director Oliver Hirschbiegel who shot to fame with his critically acclaimed film, The Experiment, brings us the story of the final days of the Third Reich in his chilling politically charged film, Downfall. The film is set in Berlin, in the last 48 hours of the Third Reich, mostly from the point of view of Hitler’s inner circle inside the Führerbunker, as the world collapses around them. Downfall is not the first movie to address this subject, but is definitely the most revelatory. In fact this seminal film could be described as a film about the decline of a single, insane man, holding onto his delusions until his final breathe, as much as it is about the collapse of an entire regime, ideology and way of life. For audiences interested in the politics of war, Downfall documents the inner circles of absolute power precisely, showing the consequences of decisions made by strong minded men behind closed doors.

Downfalls fascination with humanizing Hitler throughout the film is central to its reflection on fanaticism. What the Nazi saw was not a sycophant madman focused on ending the world, but rather a strong leader who promised them a new Germany, an Aryan utopia. The scenes throughout the film of young Nazi’s who won’t abide capitulation remind us of the deplorable nature of ideological zealotry; these characters throw away their lives as we, the audience, watch with sheer despair; how could they be so devoted to something that was so iniquitous?

The film received heavy criticism because it attempted to humanize the Nazi’s, but this is the films impetus; the Nazi’s were not monsters, they were human, just like you or I. This choice, of depicting Hitler and his henchmen as something human, instead of monsters, was commendable. The film does not attempt to force a point of view on its viewers; each viewer is entitled to form their own opinion. Too often World War Two films focus on the horrors inflicted by the Nazi regime, depicting them as monsters. In the real world perfectly normal human beings can be cruel and merciless if they are blinded. Hitler had the choice, and he chose to do what he did, he chose murder and destruction; a human being lost respect for the lives of other human beings and his decisions led a country to commit genocide on a scale unknown in modern history. Ultimately he loses respect for all life and starts sacrificing his own soldiers at random, this is the strongest point of Downfall, going against the grain and making a human Hitler a tangible idea.

Downfall is best described as an attempt by Germany to analyse its torturous history. Even now, it is hard for Germany to contemplate what occurred during the reign of the Third Reich. Generations have tried to understand such an infamous history. Downfall’s attempt to tackle the suffering which Germany had to bear through the Third Reich, somewhat reduces its value as a tool for understanding the past. This is unfortunate, as the film has much to offer. It is a powerful portrayer of the extremist mind, not as we would envision it today, but still relevant for the study of today’s religious fundamentalism. Ultimately though, the film’s mistaken attempt to cast Germany as a casualty reminds us of the struggle Germans face in coming to terms with their history.

While Downfall can be disturbing, and at times, extremely difficult to watch, it is an enormous achievement that should not be missed. A powerful look at the innards of a totalitarian regime at the brink of destruction, while also showing the effect this has on the people in power. As an examination of historical events and a human drama, Downfall delivers well. The film also distresses the viewer greatly, this is required, it has to pose its questions about human nature and the nature of politics otherwise it would be an empty and forgettable gesture. The film’s searing portrayal of an utterly ruthless fanaticism is its most enduring effect. While heavily distressing, this is a film which must be seen.