Downfall

Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel

A box office hit in a number of European countries and a nominee for this year’s Foreign Language Oscar. The latest film from the director of THE EXPERIMENT is one of the most critically acclaimed – and controversial – films to come out of Germany in recent years. The first German mainstream production to feature Hitler as a central figure, DOWNFALL is based on two books, including the memoirs of his secretary, Traudl Junge, and tells of the final days in the life of the Führer, deep within his bunker beneath Berlin, as the Russian troops close in. Contrasting the chaos, death and destruction on the city’s streets with the extravagant, hedonistic life below, the film portrays a deteriorated, unhinged Hitler (Ganz in a bravura performance) and his inner circle, ranging from the naively loyal to the fatally fanatic. Hirschbiegel has been criticised in some circles for presenting a portrait of Hitler that is “too sympathetic” – a claim which he vehemently denies. Sun 10 Apr, 2.00pm: Introduced ScreeningThis screening will be introduced by regular Cornerhouse contributor Maggie Hoffgen. Look forward to a discussion of various aspects of this film – including the controversy that surrounds it…

Duration:
155 minutes

Country of origin:
Germany

Year of production:
2004