This documentary recounts the life and work of one of most famous, and yet reviled, German film directors in history, Leni Riefenstahl. The film recounts the rise of her career from a dancer, to a movie actor to the most important film director in Nazi Germany who directed such famous propaganda films as Triumph of the Will and Olympiad. The film also explores her later activities after Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945 and her disgrace for being so associated with it which includes her amazingly active life over the age of 90.
Direction
Müller lets Riefenstahl hang herself with her own words.
Editing
Brutal juxtapositions of her excuses against historical reality.
Acting
Riefenstahl's performance of innocence is chilling Oscar-worthy denial.
Director
Ray Müller
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Riefenstahl insisted on final cut approval; Müller secretly kept damaging footage she wanted removed. She sued him. She lost.
This documentary became Exhibit A in debates about 'canceling' artists—released the same year Schindler's List dominated Oscars, forcing audiences to ask why we still discuss her at all.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
DE
GB
