Night and Fog vs Triumph of the Will

“Triumph of the Will” and “Night and Fog,” portray Hitler’s vision for Germany, and the findings of Allied liberators of concentration camps in the beginning of World War II. A comparison of the films present two very different views of what Hitler deemed necessary for Germany. They each displayed propaganda in a way they’re eye-catching simply because of the raw footage. It took everything that we knew about pre WWII and corrected it, so that we knew the truth about how the people of Germany felt, and what they saw in those exact moments. The task of viewing these films was quite difficult, and although both films seem to be a highly emotional and factual, I believe that “Night and Fog” was a more superior piece of propaganda. I will support my response by explaining the differences in how the films were portrayed, the images presented, and the tools used to catch the viewer’s undivided attention.

Alain Resnais's Nuit et Bruillard (Night and Fog) combine horrific and peaceful images, poetic narration, and mournful music that viewers develop an sympathetic attitude. Overall, this film is very traumatizing. There are some images in this film that will be burned into my mind for as long as I live. I have seen many holocaust films, but no one was as near as dramatic and realistic as Night and Fog. This is what I believe makes a good piece of propaganda. Our minds are murky and dull. We tend to only remember the important situations in our lives. Yet we shut out the importance of our own history and pretend it never happened. It is very sad to know that human beings were treated and slaughtered just because of an act of superiority.
Riefenstahl created the propaganda film in Triumph of the Will. When editing this film, Hitler is portrayed as a very powerful leader that everyone in Germany was so thankful to have. It seems like he was liked by all, but also portrayed a mysterious side. Hitler descends from the clouds as if a savior from