Modernist Interpretations of the Twelve Years of the Nazi Regime via German Film

Abstract

Historically based films offer audiences a way to connect with the past that invites the viewers to develop an emotional understanding of the events and time periods. One topic, which has been represented in film, is Nazi Germany and World War II. Eight German films released in 1997 to 2013 are examined through textual analysis and through the lenses of narrative theory and cultivation analysis. Throughout the eight films, there are changes in how the characters, the use of stereotypes, gender and gender roles have been presented, and how the topic has been dealt with. These changes could influence how the Nazi regime and World War II are remembered by viewers who have no direct connect to that historical time. These changes, and their possible effects, are significant findings, as they could influence how the events and memories of the Nazi regime are preserved. This is also important because films are filling a gap of both preserving and transferring memories for continuing generations. These films will continue to become of greater importance, as the people who experienced the Nazis and World War II are dying and, thus, time is silencing their voices. Films offer a way to both preserve what happened and emotionally connect these past memories with a new audience.