Leni Reifensthl was a great filmmaker who broke ground using what were new techniques at the time. She was typical in that she used her looks and sex appeal to gain access to powerful men who could help her career. She was unusual in that she was extremely disciplined and hardworking, as is evidenced by her free climbing advanced and dangerous mountain walls, sans ropes or safety equipment, risking life and limb for her art.
Most who watch the film will be vaguely aware of this woman who obviously did get work in "the biz", but worked for the Nazis. She was at best a sympathizer, and at worst a co conspirator who helped Hitler by designing films that would convert people into Nazis. Her claim is that she was an innocent actress and filmmaker wanna b,who knew nothing about politics and just wanted to make films.. Some say she was much more snuggly w the brass at headquarters, including Gobble's diary entries, and she does look awfully smiley and haughty in photos as she poses with the furer. On the other hand she is rather convincing in her story. and It's hard to tell what really went down. Usually in life the truth lies somewhere in between. It is not hard to believe a beautiful actress wouldn't know and or care about politics, but it's also easy to believe she might throw herself at the powers that be as well....It could happen.
The fascinating part of this a trace too long doc is the part where she describes going to see Hitler speak for the first time, and meeting him for a one on one shortly after. To be able to get a window into such powerful occurrences from someone who was actually there is captivating, even if one eyebrow is raised as you try to decide how much of it is actually true. She did get a chance to get her say, and have to say it struck me as mostly true, mostly....