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Film review:
Downfall depicts perils of hubris
The Goethe Institute ran a number of films based on the Second World
War recently.
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POWERFUL FILM: A scene from Downfall.
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CINEMA: German film producer Oliver Hirchbiegel's "Downfall"
released in 2004 is essential viewing for all students of extremist
politics, the corruption of power and the perils of hubris.
Witnessed through the eyes of a simple young secretary, obviously in
awe of the mighty master she unquestioningly serves, the film focuses on
the second half of April 1945, the final days of the Third Reich, and
the suicide of its creator which brought the curtain down on the last
great war in Europe.
The Third Reich which only three years before had occupied an area
stretching from the Atlantic to the river Volga deep in Russia had by
then shrunk to a few embattled square miles around the underground
bunker in Berlin where Hitler had set up his final headquarters.
From the West the allied forces thrusting east had captured most of
Germany and were crossing the Elbe threatening his capital. The Russians
coming from the east were already in the suburbs of Berlin steadily
tightening their grip on the nerve centre of the regime. Relentlessly
bombed and shelled, blackened with smoke Berlin was a hellhole in which
a dying regime waged a hopeless desperate battle.
It was in this unimaginably tensed and dangerous atmosphere that
Hitler spent his last drama filled days. His once seemingly invincible
army was all but destroyed while the orderly and powerful country the
Germans were so proud of was in smouldering ruins.
The hated red horde of the "sub-human" Slavic enemy was ravaging the
beloved East Prussian countryside and was on the verge of capturing
Berlin itself. But even now some of Hitler's personal qualities,
particularly his courage and resolve did not desert him.
In the face of defeat, following a time-honoured Teutonic martial
tradition he chose death at his own hand. Once decided no amount of
entreaty can change his will. But before taking his life Hitler marries
Eva Braun, his long-term companion, thus making an "honest woman" of
her.
Then he dictates his testimonies, one political and another personal.
Having attended to these mundane tasks there is a round of leave taking
from close associates, and then Hitler retires to his room where he
shoots himself.
Watching this riveting depiction of one of the low points of modern
European history the writer was moved to contrast these grim but capable
characters with the easy going near frivolous culture prevailing in our
public life. The Nazi aberration notwithstanding, Germany's culture was
very European in its devotion to duty and discipline.
Despite the knowledge that the avenging Russian enemy was only a
rifle shot away those officials and officers with duties to perform in
the command bunker carry on with a composure which will seem incredibly
brave to those possessed with the more excitable temperaments of the
orient.
With the sure knowledge that death was imminent both Hitler and
Gobbles dictate their political testimonies. Other important documents
are either smuggled out or burnt.
This broad respect for the written word and devotion to record
keeping, even in the incredibly charged atmosphere of a bunker under
siege, again seems a European tradition.
Here in the tropics, in the tranquillity of a shady coconut grove how
many indigenous politicians have thought it fit to leave for the future
generations a record of the major issues they as public figures grappled
with?
Another notable feature that would surely strike the local viewer is
the egalitarian attitudes apparent in the personal interactions among
the besieged staff. Sure they are professional and correct as befitting
a vaunted European army.
The man they are oath bound to serve is one of the bloodiest despots
in human history. But yet the toadying servility we commonly observe in
our corridors of power is not evident. In fact Hitler shares his last
meal with his female cook and young secretaries, apparently a common
habit of his. The despot does not forget to thank the loyal cook for the
simple vegetarian meal before leaving the table. She remains seated,
aware that the master is about to commit suicide.
With his death the spell is broken and the terrible nightmare of the
German people come to an end. This powerful film is highly recommended.
(RP)
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