And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to... 'Adolf Hitler'

[Dutchy]

I just saw Der Untergang (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363163/) (The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich) and I'm very impressed. Very realistic and compelling portrayal of the last days of Hitler's life. Bruno Ganz' performance is near perfect. It's the best performance I've seen in years. His anger is terrifying.

One of the very best movies of the year.

I've no idea if this movie will be released in the US, though I read Germany will send it in as candidate for Best Foreign Movie, so maybe it will.

If there's any justice Bruno Ganz will win for Best Actor.

[Shawn]

I'm surprised to see this come out of Germany. I was under the impression that any references to Nazis at all - whether in a negative tone or not - were outlawed.

[Gav Mortis]

Sounds absolutely fascinating! I wonder if I can catch this over here sometime. I'll check out the FACT website.

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Shawn
I'm surprised to see this come out of Germany. I was under the impression that any references to Nazis at all - whether in a negative tone or not - were outlawed.

Well, this is basically the first movie ever about Hitler in German, so go figure. They want to make absolutely sure that they don't give the impression to have any sympathy for him.

I haven't seen many movies about Hitler (or war movies in general, even) and I my reason to skip them is that they're in English. So that's what makes this movie so good, Hitler speaks German. Not only does he speak German, he actually speaks in Hitler's genuine, unusual Austrian accent. That, plus his mannerisms makes Ganz' portryal eerily good.

[Charley]

Originally posted by Dutchy
I haven't seen many movies about Hitler (or war movies in general, even) and I my reason to skip them is that they're in English.

This kinda erodes the credibility of any argument you make against cultural centrism, you know.

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Charley
This kinda erodes the credibility of any argument you make against cultural centrism, you know.

Why? I like to see everyone speak their native tongue.

Or what exactly do you mean with that statement?

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Dutchy
I've no idea if this movie will be released in the US, though I read Germany will send it in as candidate for Best Foreign Movie, so maybe it will.

Yup, they do:

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=26&story_id=13146&name=Hitler+film+competes+for+Oscar

Still don't know if that makes Bruno Ganz an eligible candidate for Best Actor, though.

[Charley]

Originally posted by Dutchy
Why? I like to see everyone speak their native tongue.

Or what exactly do you mean with that statement?

I mean you write yourself out of seeing some great films because of this silly little distinction.

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Charley
I mean you write yourself out of seeing some great films because of this silly little distinction.

I wouldn't call Adolf Hitler speaking English a silly little disctinction.

It really adds to the portrayal him speaking in his native tongue and genuine accent.

[Dutchy]

Besides, first you say it erodes my credibility of any argument I make against cultural centrism, and then you're concerned I miss out on great movies.

I see a difference there. :)

[Charley]

Its just as ridiculous as giving Jesus of Nazareth a pass and preferring the Passion because of the Aramaic and Latin, when the former is considerably better than the latter. Or what about Sergio Leone westerns, for that matter?

Once again, its a smarmy kind of arrogance that really serves no useful purpose.

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Charley
Its just as ridiculous as giving Jesus of Nazareth a pass and preferring the Passion because of the Aramaic and Latin, when the former is considerably better than the latter. Or what about Sergio Leone westerns, for that matter?

Or what about a movie about September 11 with George W. Bush speaking in Hungarian?


Once again, its a smarmy kind of arrogance that really serves no useful purpose.

In some, or maybe even most cases, it's no problem really having people speaking English instead of their native tongue. With WWII movies, though, it really adds having Germans speak German. Or for me it does, anyway.

In this case, with Adolf Hitler, it has nothing to do with arrogance, but with a genuine depiction of his person and life. Speaking German really adds to the autheticity of it.

[Charley]

Originally posted by Dutchy
Or what about a movie about September 11 with George W. Bush speaking in Hungarian?

If the movie's good, I'll sit through the subtitles



In some, or maybe even most cases, it's no problem really having people speaking English instead of their native tongue. With WWII movies, though, it really adds having Germans speak German. Or for me it does, anyway.

One of my favorite Cold War movies is Gorky Park in which the Russians are played by British actors. It did nothing to detract from the movie's feel.


In this case, with Adolf Hitler, it has nothing to do with arrogance, but with a genuine depiction of his person and life. Speaking German really adds to the autheticity of it.

Authenticity is one thing, but opting out of a movie for the linguistic reason alone is still pretty arrogant.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I don't see it as arrogance just as a personal choice heck if that Dutchy's opinion it his opinion. As for this getting Best foreign film. I am sure it will be nominated not sure about the actor for Best actor. Can only think of one foreign actor getting nominated in the last 10 years and that was for El postin (I think that was the name of it) CMJ would be a better person to ask.

[CMJ]

There are 3 that I can remember. Carr got one. There was also Fernando Montenegro in I believe 1998 for Central Station and of course Begnini for Life is Beautiful

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Jedi Master Carr
I don't see it as arrogance just as a personal choice heck if that Dutchy's opinion it his opinion.

Amen. :)


Originally posted by CMJ
and of course Begnini for Life is Beautiful

Yep, and he won. Germans spoke German in Life is Beautiful, btw. :)

[Gav Mortis]

Originally posted by Charley
Authenticity is one thing, but opting out of a movie for the linguistic reason alone is still pretty arrogant.

I agree, you're only cheating yourself if you stick to that mantra, Dutchy.

[Dutchy]

Originally posted by Gav Mortis
I agree, you're only cheating yourself if you stick to that mantra, Dutchy.

Yeah, sure. I skip one or two movies about Adolf Hitler, and I'm an arrogant cheater. Sure. :)

[Pierce Tondry]

If I might make an observation.

Discussing Dutchy's viewing preferences isn't pertinent to the topic of the thread. I'd suggest moving along back to the topic, lest things go where they needn't.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Thanks CMJ I knew you would know :) How did I forget Begnini I can't believe I forgot him.