Leni Riefenstahl: The Seduction of Genius (Propaganda! Studies in Modern Political Communication)

Leni Riefenstahl achieved fame as a dancer, actress, photographer, and director, but her entire career is colored by her association with the Nazi party. Appointed by Hitler, she directed the Nazi propaganda film Triumph des Willens along with her best-known work Olympia, a documentary of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. By 1939 Riefenstahl was arguably the most famous woman film director in the world; yet, after World War II, she was never again accepted as a filmmaker.Rainer Rother's book provides detailed coverage, from original documentation, of those aspects of Riefenstahl's career she herself has attempted to sanitize. It is a remarkable account of the fascinating life and work of Germany's most controversial photographer and filmmaker.Leni Riefenstahl, one hundred years old in 2002, is one of the most important and controversial filmmakers of the twentieth century. This powerful translation of Rainer Rother's acclaimed exploration of her life focuses both on Riefenstahl the woman and Riefenstahl the director. Although admired by such greats as Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, and Andy Warhol, Riefenstahl's achievements are clouded by her association with Nazi Germany and the Third Reich. This overt tension between the political meaning of her work for National Socialism and its essential aesthetic quality forms the basis of this compelling account. Leni Riefenstahl, Who Will Be One Hundred Years Old In 2002, Is One Of The Most Important And Controversial Film-makers Of The Twentieth Century. This Translation Of Rainer Rother's Exploration Of Her Life Focuses On Both Riefenstahl The Woman And Riefenstahl The Director. Although She Was Admired By Such Greats As Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin And Andy Warhol, Riefenstahl's Achievements Have Been Clouded By The Fact That She Operated Within The Context Of Nazi Germany And Was Inextricably Linked With The Third Reich.--book Jacket.title Summary Field Provided By Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Leni Riefenstahl, who will be one hundred years old in 2002, is one of the most important and controversial film-makers of the twentieth century. This translation of Rainer Rother's exploration of her life focuses on both Riefenstahl the woman and Riefenstahl the director. Although she was admired by such greats as Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin and Andy Warhol, Riefenstahl's achievements have been clouded by the fact that she operated within the context of Nazi Germany and was inextricably linked with the Third Reich.

Part I Talent: Beginnings The Author Appears. Part II The Genius of National Socialist Film A New Kind of Film "Triumph of Faith" The Author of National Socialist Film The Best Sports Film of All Time. Part III Away from the Power: Partial Retreat "Tiefland" The Return of the Expelled Projects A Question of Justice and Tact Revival without Vindication Summary A Change-over of Characters. Leni Riefenstahl achieved fame as a dancer, actress, photographer and director, but her entire career is coloured by her association with the Nazis. Using original documentation, this book looks at Riefenstahl's life, work and politics.