Watch Fascism on a Thread: The Strange Story of Nazisploitation Cinema

Fascism on a Thread: The Strange Story of Nazisploitation Cinema is a documentary film from 2019 that explores the little-known genre of Nazisploitation films, which were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The film delves into the history and context of these movies and interviews several notable figures in the genre to gain insight into their creation and reception.

One of the main aspects of the film is the exploration of the cultural and historical context in which these movies were made. The film examines how the lingering trauma of World War II and the Holocaust, as well as the rise of feminist and left-wing movements, influenced the creation of Nazisploitation films. The documentary delves into how attitudes towards the Holocaust were changing in the 1970s and how certain filmmakers sought to exploit these changing attitudes to create exploitative and often offensive films.

Another focus of Fascism on a Thread is the interviewees who provide insight into the creation of these films. The documentary features Helmut Berger, a German-born actor who starred in several Nazisploitation films, and Allan Bryce, a writer who has extensively covered the genre. The film also includes archival interviews with Dirk Bogarde, a British actor who appeared in the controversial film The Night Porter. Through these interviews, the film sheds light on the creative process and intentions behind these films and also examines how actors and filmmakers navigated the difficult political and cultural context in which they were working.

The documentary also provides extensive clips and analysis of several Nazisploitation films, some of which have become cult classics. The film explores how these films used provocative imagery, sexuality, and violence to create shock value and appeal to audiences. However, the documentary also delves into the problematic nature of many of these films, including their use of sexual violence and their often shallow engagement with the historical and social issues they were supposedly exploring.

In addition to its exploration of the genre, Fascism on a Thread also serves as a broader exploration of the ethics of exploitation cinema. The documentary raises questions about whether it is ever acceptable to use sensitive historical events or issues for the sake of entertainment, and whether the commercial success of these films justifies their existence. The film also confronts head-on the accusations of fascism and antisemitism that have been leveled against many of these films and outlines the complex debates surrounding these accusations.

Overall, Fascism on a Thread: The Strange Story of Nazisploitation Cinema is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that sheds light on a little-known genre of cinema and the debates surrounding it. Through its interviews, analysis, and exploration of the broader cultural and historical context, the film encourages viewers to confront complex ethical questions about the role and limits of cinema in exploring sensitive and difficult subjects.

Fascism on a Thread: The Strange Story of Nazisploitation Cinema is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.