10%
OFF
OFF
  | Blind Spot - Hitler's Secretary
| ||||||||||||
| |
Average user rating:  | |
 Interesting but ecclipsed by new 2005 German film "Downfall" | |
| This DVD (with not a single extra: No documentary about Hitler/the Nazis or anything else) is interesting, but with it you get two things: very detailed information of dialogue concerning Hitler as well as interesting asides on the Downfall of Nazism's last days. Of the latter, our interviewee, Hitler's secretary, offers such odd fare as this: "Eva Braun once said to the Fuhrer, 'You know there's a statue up there [outside, above Hitler's bunker in Berlin] and if you win the war, I'd like you to buy it for me.' And then he [Hitler] said: 'But I don't know who it belongs to. It's state property. I can't just buy it and put it in your private garden.' Then she said: 'But if you manage to triumph over the Russians you could make an exception just this once.' And it was really bizarre, you see, because conversations like that actually did take place, and then afterwards we would go back to discussing the best way to commit suicide." More important details also are offered, but most of what are offered therein can be seen in another film as well. So, you just might as well be better off watching the new German film entitled "Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich" instead of this c-span-like interview on tape. Mind you, what Hitler's former secretary has to say is often very interesting, but---let me give you a sample first: "All of a sudden he [Hitler] opened the door of the conference room, walked into the anteroom, to his study and sent for us---I mean the women who were still there and he said: 'All is lost. You must leave Berlin at once.' His face was like a mask of stone. In fact, it already looked as though he were wearing a death mask. We stood there, completely stunned, and then Eva Braun walked up to him, took both his hands in hers and said: 'But you must know I'll stay with you. I shall never leave you.' And then he leaned foward and for the first time that anyone had ever seen he kissed her on the lips." Interesting yes, but you can see it played out completely in the new film mentioned above. The "Downfall" film, in fact, relies heavily on Frau Junge's recollections so you could just as well watch the film and skip this interview DVD. Or, rather, borrow this interview DVD from your local library or rent it before seeing/buying "Downfall" (when it becomes available--it's still in some theaters as of april 2005). "Downfall" is the film to see, in other words---Don't even consider this interview DVD without intending to see "Downfall" too, at least. One thing this interview DVD (with absolutely no special features or extras) does have over the film I've mentioned way too often already is Frau Junge's use of the term "Fuhrer" to refer to Hitler at times. For instance: "...Otto Gunsche came up the stairs from the Fuhrer's bunker..."; "...suddenly there I was, little Traudl Humps, sitting opposite the Fuhrer."; Of Hanna Reitsch, the aviator: "I never saw a woman greet the Fuhrer with such obsessive devotion..." Admittedly, she does call Hitler a criminal too, as well as admitting having experienced guilt for having liked him, but it's ambiguous. Once she heard that Hitler committed suicide she recalls: "I felt such hatred for Hitler because he had abandoned us, a very personal hatred." Previously Hitler dictated his personal testament to her, in which she quotes him as saying: "The struggle was necessary in order to prevent a worst fate and save the world [from Bolshevism]." "The German people were not ready for their mission. So they must perish." Such murderous disregard for millions she seemingly puts behind her personal berayal, but that doesn't stop her from continuing to refer to Hitler as 'the leader'; ie., "Fuhrer" on more than several occassions within 80+ minutes of speaking. Rather odd, I'd say; just that---and that's the only thing I think this interview offers that bests "Downfall." Cheers! | |
| No new insight to this horrific episode of history! | |
| While there is little to add to the numerous reviews already written, I'll add my thoughts anyway. This Film won several awards, including "Best Documentary", at the Chicago International Film Festival, and claims to be, "...riveting, never-before-told story of working along side Hitler...". As an amature historian, with an interest in this particular era, I found nothing in this film that is not already documented in other films, books or other sources--hence, "never-before-told" is just hype. Having said that, to hear it in Frau Junge's own words is an interesting angle seldom seen other places. This is not her first interview, as I have other tapes/DVDs with short comments by her, although the titles escape me at the moment. The point is, my feeling throughout watching this film, was that Frau Junge was attempting, one last time, to ease her conscience. As she died of cancer just months after this was filmed, I only hope she went peacefully.
Was she guilty of anything? Everyone who has made an effort to see this work and has learned anything about Hitler and his era, must make up their own minds what, if any, her contributions were. I have seen or read about many former Hitler associates, party members or not, who have made similar denials. Leni Riefenstahl's defiant refusal to accept any tangible responsibility for her associations with Hitler, documented to some extent in "The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl", and in her writings, came readily to mind as I watched Junge's rationalizations in this DVD. Again, each individual must see this and make up his or her own minds. For that reason alone, I recommend this to anyone interested in the Third Reich and it's consequences. A previous viewer suggested that film clips and photos, perhaps of Junge in her younger days, would have enhanced the interest level of the film. I agree. There are, indeed, many films, photos, documetaries, etc., etc., already, and another one may have added little, but I think enhancements would have raised the interest level of a basically dry viewing experience. This is not a criticism as much as just a thought for a more interesting viewer experience. I am glad I bought this DVD and I think it adds a further dimension to my collection and education regarding this period of history. If you are looking for shocking revelations and rare insights--this isn't the answer. Because I expected more and was a bit disappointed, I give it only four stars. I have no doubt whatsoever that Traudl Junge took much more to her grave with her than she ever revealed in this work. Her refusal to say much until, literally, her last days, and really nothing new even then--well, you figure it out. | |
 Low production value, fascinating content | |
| This documentary is nothing fancy-- no music, no old photographs, no fancy camerawork, and no artistic re-enactment footage. It is a straightforward compilation of three interviews with one of Hitler's secretaries, filmed shortly before her death, in German with subtitles. It is fascinating. And you should watch it. History books are just compilations of data stamped with the opinions of everybody who handles it. This is as close as most of us can get to a direct source, free of the obscuring glaze of interpretation and analysis. | |
People who bought Blind Spot - Hitler's Secretary also bought ... | |
