Das Goebbels-Experiment
Germany 2004

Opening 14 Apr 2005

Directed by: Lutz Hachmeister
Writing credits: Lutz Hachmeister, Michael Kloft

The new wave of documentary films has brought to the big screen a vitality of historical literature. This piece of work directed by Lutz Hachmeister and Michael Klofts tells the story of Joseph Goebbels (1897-1945) and his search for personal identity during the rise of the Third Reich. Goebbels was always trying to create a job for himself in his to rise to power. Often described as the Third Reich’s genius of propaganda, he perfected his charismatic stylization and manipulation to mesmerize not only the public but also himself. This led to his self-destruction and the end of his most damaging of life experiments. His lifelong search for self-fulfilment was warped by political greed, a destructive anger, and an obsessive need to control and justify his prejudices, which drove him to his death at the age of 48. This remarkable story is most intriguing because the directors have combined the usage of Goebbels’ own personal diary entries, dating from 1924 to 1945, and given his written words a vitality of life, as they are spoken out loud. In addition to Goebbels’ written words, his own story is relived with actual film footage of the public and private journey documented by the government. The documentary film is black and white original film footage where Goebbels is visible in the public eye. This form of art on the screen works wonderfully to give the audience a picture of authenticity to Goebbels’ daily accountings. For history buffs this is a must-see movie, but if there are no subtitles, you need to have a good command of the German language. (Karen Pecota)