OT: Leni Riefenstahl and George Lucas?

[Possum]

Check out these two photos...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:T...gress_Hall.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:EPIV_Throne_Room.jpg

Each link above will open in a new window, so you can compare them side by side.

Downright eerie similarity, isn't it?

[Randallw]

There is a scene with a greater similarity. In the example you show Hitler is followed by a mass of party dignitarties. Earlier in the film (I know because I have a copy), Hitler walks alone between ranks of soldiers in a stadium followed from behind by just Himmler, head of the SS, and someone else I assume is the new head of the SA. The three walk to the end and pay honour to what I assume are the Blood martyrs.

Putting aside the subject matter, "Triumph of the Will" is the greatest propoganda film ever made and it wouldn't surprise me that it is studied by directors on how to set up a scene.

[Atrocities]

Lucas once referred to his liberal views in a comparison of fascism. I guess he meant it. You have to admit though, the Empire does seem a lot like Nazi Germany in many ways and I think that added to the flavor and depth of the movies. A fascist militaristic government with tons of cool military gear spread throughout an entire galaxy with bases and troops just about every where. It sparks ones imagination in a very unique way.

[Randallw]

A few weeks ago I was reading an article. I can't even remember what it was about but it made a statement I had never made the connection before. It said something like "....like George Lucas they/he believes in enlightened dictatorship"

It's possible they were basing their statement on the part where Anakin says "Some people should just sit down and decide what is best and then do it, even if it is not popular"

[Atrocities]

I wouldn't mind seeing more movies that explored what the world would be like if that mad man and his followers had conquered the world. When I watch modern movies that deal with the "order" of a fascist state, equilibrium for one, I get a strong sense of nostalgia and organization. It reminds me why being a free people is so important, and why we had to defeat those murderous bastards. I think Lucas related to that struggle, good verse evil, when he set about writing Star Wars. And we all know how that turned out. For me the military feel of Star Wars was what made the movie. From the cool stormtroopers to the X-wing fighters the movie just ignited my imagination and filled me with wonder. So what if Lucas took elements of Nazi Germany in his movie? I think he pulled it off quite nicely and I only wish that his last three films had captured that formula.

[Randallw]

Have you ever seen "Fatherland" or perhaps "It happened here"?

[Atrocities]

I saw one movie with Rugther Howard (sp) in it where it was in the mid 60's and Hitler was still in power and seeking a treaty with the US under Kennedy against the Russians for whom he and his military were still fighting. Evidently the invasion of Normandy had failed and the US sought peace. But Rugthers character, an SS policemen, investigates the disappearances of many former high ranking Nazi's only to discover a horrible secret that the world never knew, and that secret ultimately brings about the collapse of the peace treaty and Hitlers downfall. Was a good movie.