Watch Hitler: A Film from Germany

Hitler: A Film from Germany is a 1977 avant-garde film by German director Hans-Jürgen Syberberg. This epic film is a four-part documentary, which provides an unconventional examination of Nazi Germany, the rise of Hitler, and the Holocaust. The movie is a philosophical and artistic masterpiece that explores the psychological and historical roots of fascism, totalitarianism, and the annihilation of millions of people.

The movie features various actors, but the primary figure in Hitler: A Film from Germany is Heinz Schubert, who played the role of Adolf Hitler. This film is highly unusual in that, visually, Schubert's Hitler is very rarely seen in the film; instead, he is heard, while other actors play the role of Hitler or various other figures from his life in different contexts throughout the four hours of the movie.

The film is described as an experimental film, one that uses a range of avant-garde practices in its presentation of historical events. The movie is unique in that it constantly shifts from documentary footage, a play-like presentation with actors, puppet theater scenes, photographs, song and dance numbers, and incredibly surreal sequences with fantastical elements. The film covers a broad range of topics, such as Hitler's family history, his childhood, youth, involvement in WWI, the Nazi's control of German society, and the Holocaust.

The film's unconventional approach attracts both criticism and acclaim. Some critics argue that it is historically inaccurate, and its fixation on the psychological and philosophical aspects of Hitler while glossing over the atrocities of the Holocaust are highly problematic. However, many other critics find the film to be a profound, moving, and thought-provoking exploration of the larger cultural and historical issues that the Holocaust and National Socialism represent.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is that it shows the Nazi era through a combination of realistic and fantastical scenes. The movie features some incredibly surreal sequences with performances from puppet actors and shadowy, dream-like settings that create a menacing and eerie atmosphere. The use of puppetry to portray historical figures immediately adds another layer of complexity to the film as the puppets often look eerily lifelike. This frequent change in tone also serves as a commentary on how the reality of the world is distorted under fascism.

Punctuating the film's various scenes are segments of interviews with people who lived through the period or who had a close relationship with it. Without exception, each of them has a unique, often controversial take on the subject. Hearing these people's diverse perspectives is both informative and challenging, forcing viewers to broaden their understanding of the historical era and the complexity of the human psyche.

Overall, Hitler: A Film from Germany is a significant and challenging movie. It is not an easy watch, but it is a profound and significant exploration of a historical period, events, and figures that cast a long shadow over the twentieth century. The movie is dense, thought-provoking, and ultimately demands a lot of attention from the viewer. Those willing to dive into its complexities will be rewarded with a visually stunning movie combining avant-garde art forms with a detailed examination of political and cultural concepts, resulting in a haunting and deeply moving experience.