Downfall of the Nazi State

Downfall of the Nazi State

An Analysis of the Film

Who are the major characters in the movie Downfall? What is their collective political ideology?

The major characters in the film revolved around Hitler and his entourage. This included everyone from his secretary, Traudl Junge, to officers such as Goebbels, Speer, Himmler, etc. And their various families, which included wives and children. Furthermore, the film also included details as to the relationship of Hitler and Eva Braun, which was a story in itself, explored for the viewer to the fullest.

Since the action in this film takes place mainly in the bunker, and in the last days of the war, the ideology focuses specifically on the main characters, all of whom are German, and all of whom are Nazi and thus, the ideology mirrors the fascism laden-opinion of Nazi Germany. Since all of the characters partake in this ideology it is interesting to see how far some take it, and who is willing to make a compromise. Unfortunately, however, some are not as flexible as others, and many are so infatuated with their leader that they will go to incredible measures so as not to be captured. This is clearly illustrated in the example of the mother who kills her children so as to achieve this goal.

2) What would you identify as the major argument or lesson of the movie?

I believe that the movie is a history lesson. It was made primarily to illustrate, however fictional, some of the relationships within the highest confines of the Nazi State, among the most private and personal of officers, leaders, etc. Thus, the movie makes the argument that everyone is human, and shows this in the portrayal of the most detested of characters, including Hitler himself, whom the film humanizes to the point of almost leading the audience to believe that this man was actually repentant for what he had done. The movie also portrays how far humans will go to save their life, their reputation, or even salvage their ideals. Yet again, it humanizes some of the most detestable villains of, some would argue, all time, including the harshest and most hateful of Hitler's 'hitmen.'

3) Was there another possible outcome for Germany other than the creation/fall of the Nazi party and Adolf Hitler? Is it possible to have a similar outcome in the U.S. Or another country today or in the future or is the case of Nazi Germany limited to Adolf Hitler and the German nation?

Because of the fact that Germany had basically come out of a depression, defeated and without any confidence, the rise of the Nazi party was perhaps the most logical thing that could happen to the country. With the advent of the party came prosperity, or at least a segment of it in the aftermath of cruel decades. Thus, it is no wonder that the German people were so quick to embrace this party and its ideology, no matter how fascist and racist it was to the outside. Thus, given these conditions, one could not expect a different outcome.