Required Primary Source reading: — Required Reading: Riefenstahl, Memoirs, “Vic

by Caaltu · June 1, 2024

Required Primary Source reading:
— Required Reading: Riefenstahl, Memoirs, “Victory of the Faith;” “Triumph of the Will”
(pages 143-151, 156-166)
Write 2-3 pages minimum (although you may write more). Use only the Required Primary Source readings listed directly above, and be sure to use specific quotes and examples to answer the questions.
This assignment does not have to be structured as a fully formed essay, but should be written clearly and without typos so that I can understand what you’re arguing. I’m looking for creativity in analysis (and not a summary of the sources), i.e. your thoughtful and in-depth interpretation of the primary sources. Try to dig down below the surface image as you analyze the sources.
Prompt: The film Triumph of the Will has been called a masterpiece of propaganda. In her Memoirs, Leni Riefenstahl claims that she did not want to make a propaganda film, that she was not a Nazi, and that the film did not reflect her personal views.
Look for evidence in her Memoirs, “Victory of the Faith;” “Triumph of the Will” (pages 143-151, 156-166), for two things:
Leni Riefenstahl actively shaped the content of the film. The film reflected her political and artistic vision.
Leni Riefenstahl was forced into making a film that reflected Hitler’s views and not her own, and she acted out of fear.
Question: Based on what you find in her Memoirs, do you believe her that she acted out of fear, or do you think her actions tell a different story?
***
Be sure to use specific examples and page numbers.