How Fritz Lang Trolled the Nazis

 

 

In 1933, legendary director Fritz Lang made a film criticizing the Nazis just as they were coming to power. However, instead of the slap on the wrist he was expecting, he was offered the position at the head of the German film industry. Lang knew he had to escape Germany, but how did he do it?

This video essay was written, edited, and narrated by Tyler Knudsen.

Additional camerawork by Sophie

Sources:

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse – Audio Commentary

Fritz Lang: For Example Fritz Lang Interview with William Friedkin

Cinephilia & Beyond – https://bit.ly/2Kkacyy

Joe McElhaney on Fritz Lang’s Anti-Nazi Films

Fritz Lang, Trailing Nazis by By Dave Kehr

Clips:

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse

Metropolis

M

Downfall

Europa Europa

Raiders of the Lost Ark

The Last Crusade

Inglourious Basterds

To Be Or Not To Be

Valkyrie

Burn After Reading

Eyes Wide Shut

The Simpsons – “The Lemon of Troy”

Back to the Future

Man Hunt

No Country for Old Men

The Great Escape

North by Northwest

Contempt

The 400 Blows

Music: Epidemic Sound