Hitler - ein Film aus Deutschland (1977)

Director:

Hans-Jürgen Syberberg

Writer:

Hans-Jürgen Syberberg (writer)

Release Date:

7 June 1978 (France)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | History | War

Plot Keywords:

Chancellor | Invasion | Megalomaniac | Nazi Flag | Leader

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

André Heller	...	Himself
Harry Baer	...	Himself - Junger Ellerkamp
Heinz Schubert	...	Zirkusdirektor, Himmler, Himmler-Puppenspieler, Hitler
Peter Kern	...	Mörder aus "M", Göring-Puppenspieler, Alter Ellerkamp, SS-Mann, Fremdenverkehrsdirektor
Hellmut Lange	...	Hitlers Kammerdiener, Goebbels-Puppenspieler, SS-Mann
Rainer von Artenfels	...	Jahrmarkt-Ausrufer, Hitler-Puppenspieler, Junger Goebbels, Schüler des Kosmologen, SS-Mann
Martin Sperr	...	Himmlers Masseur, Fitzliputzli, Bürgermeister
Peter Moland	...	Astrologe, Speer-Puppenspieler, SS-Mann
Johannes Buzalski	...	Hitler als Anstreicher, Eva Braun-Puppenspieler, Mann der Gesellschaft 1923
Alfred Edel	...	Stimmen der Leute, Mann der Geschichte 1923
Amelie Syberberg	...	Das kleine Mädchen
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Peter Lühr

Also Known As:

Hitler, un film d'Allemagne (France)
Hitler: A Film from Germany (USA)
Our Hitler

Runtime:

442 min | USA:407 min (cut)

Country:

West Germany | UK | France

Language:

German

Color:

Black and White (archive footage) | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Brazil:18 | France:U

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Ister (2004)

Absolutely stunning film experience, but only recommended for hardened cinephiles

"Our Hitler: A Film From Germany" is one of the most stunning film experiences I've had, one that completely transcends the medium and its supposed limitations. If you've ever wondered how an entire nation could be duped by Hitler into his twisted philosophy, than watch this film. It paints a more accurate portrayal of the mindset than any other work possibly could. Also, the structure and style is very innovative, completely different from anything else I've seen. Director Hans-Jürgen Syberberg combines lengthy monologues from both real figures and fictional characters, rear screen projection of both film and stills, theatrical settings, and even puppetry. This all seems rather absurd, but it works well to create a colorful and surreal nightmare.

The acting could be criticized as being campy, and I'll admit its done in a very theatrical manner. I had no problem with this aspect for several reasons. First off, the film often resembles a filmed performance, so the play style acting fit it well. Additionally, when crafting a portrait of madness on such a wide scale, its only appropriate to get a little crazy yourself.

This all boils down to one question however - is it worth watching a nearly eight hour German art film about Hitler? The answer is yes, but only for some. If you are interested in learning how the German public viewed the man, than this is absolutely mandatory viewing. If you are a hardened cinephile who wants to see how far the limitations of standard narrative cinema can be stretched and deconstructed, than "Our Hitler" will be a memorable experience unlike any other. If the admittedly massive length seems a bit too much for one sitting, the film is broken into four parts, so it's alright to watch it in several intervals. (10/10)