In between the end of World War I and Hitler's takeover, Germany turned out some of the most impressive movies of the era. The famous ones are F. W. Murnau's "Nosferatu" and Fritz Lang's "Metropolis". Others include "Der heilige Berg" ("The Holy Mountain" in English), starring the now controversial Leni Riefenstahl.
Most of the movie isn't anything profound. Set in the Alps, it depicts a love triangle between a dancer and two mountaineers. The scenes that stand out are the dance numbers, the ski race, and the stranding of the mountaineers on the cliff. Seriously, this is some storytelling like you can't imagine. The mix of these - as well as shots of the ocean - make for one compelling film, even though it has a simple plot.
Arnold Fanck would later direct Riefenstahl in 1930's "Storm over Mont Blanc". I understand that Hitler was fascinated by her performance in that movie and decided that he wanted her to film his propaganda documentary. Riefenstahl never did apologize for her participation in the propaganda machine. Strange legacy.
In the meantime, this one is worth seeing.
Most of the movie isn't anything profound. Set in the Alps, it depicts a love triangle between a dancer and two mountaineers. The scenes that stand out are the dance numbers, the ski race, and the stranding of the mountaineers on the cliff. Seriously, this is some storytelling like you can't imagine. The mix of these - as well as shots of the ocean - make for one compelling film, even though it has a simple plot.
Arnold Fanck would later direct Riefenstahl in 1930's "Storm over Mont Blanc". I understand that Hitler was fascinated by her performance in that movie and decided that he wanted her to film his propaganda documentary. Riefenstahl never did apologize for her participation in the propaganda machine. Strange legacy.
In the meantime, this one is worth seeing.