Remarkably in-depth, objective documentary about Leni Riefenstahl which covers her life journey from her early days as a dancer and a star of mountain-climbing adventure films to her latter-day fascination with primitive African tribes and the underwater flora and fauna. Of course the bulk of the film focuses on her famous Nazi-period documentaries, "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympia". Although this project was obviously completed with Riefenstahl's collaboration, it does not shy away from her naivete and contradictions; on the other hand, it presents an extensive account of her technical innovations, and makes sure to clear in our minds the chasm between the aesthetic perfection she tried to achieve in her art, and the "master race" ideals of Hitler and his Party. It's a very long film (3 hours), but most worthwhile if you're at all interested in the subject. *** out of 4.
