Harlan - Im Schatten von Jud Süss (Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Seuss) (2009)
-
95% of critics liked it
(20 reviews) -
46% of users liked it
(107 ratings)
Many Germans who collaborated with the Nazi regime during the Third Reich later found themselves standing trial for crimes against humanity, but only one was an artist prosecuted for his work. Veit Harlan was a film director who, unlike many noted German auteurs, chose to stay in his homeland after… More Many Germans who collaborated with the Nazi regime during the Third Reich later found themselves standing trial for crimes against humanity, but only one was an artist prosecuted for his work. Veit Harlan was a film director who, unlike many noted German auteurs, chose to stay in his homeland after Adolf Hitler rose to power, and made films under the supervision of the Nazi propaganda authorities. Harlan's best-known picture was Jud Süss (aka Jew Süss), a vehemently anti-Semitic drama that was required viewing for Hitler's top brass, a frequent attraction in Germany and occupied countries, and with the possible exception of Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will, the most notorious film to emerge from the Third Reich. Harlan was tried for his work as a Nazi propagandist, though he insisted he was coerced into making Jud Süss and other pro-Nazi films (a contention disputed by a number of his colleagues); two trials failed to convict Harlan, and he continued to work in Europe until his death in 1964. Filmmaker Felix Moeller presents a look at the life and work of this most notorious director in the documentary Harlan: Im Schatten von Jud Süss (aka Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Süss), which examines Harlan's career as well as the impact his legacy has had on his descendants, some of whom have struggled to right Harlan's wrongs while others have preferred to keep their distance from his tainted reputation. One of the distant relatives interviewed for the picture is Christiane Kubrick, Harlan's niece who later wed the great director Stanley Kubrick. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- Unrated, 1 hr. 39 min.
- Directed By
- Felix Moeller
- Written By
- Felix Moeller
- Genres
- Documentary, Television, Art House & International
- In Theaters
- Mar 3, 2010 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 23, 2010
- Studio
- Zeitgeist Films
Critic Reviews
-
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
As Moeller interviews all the candid and articulate surviving relations, we come to see how Harlan's toxic legacy played out among the generations, shattering the haunted family in ways that are disturbing and surprising.
-
Mark Feeney, Boston Globe
Harlan must have felt he was the right filmmaker at the right place at the right time. Did he ever stop to think that his luck also meant the doom of millions? Moeller's documentary can't supply an answer. It does, however, make the rest of us wonder.
-
Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
Moeller stirs up a hot broth of ideas about culpability, and the power of art for good and for evil.
-
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
Moeller is not heavy-handed in drawing conclusions; he leaves this largely to the audience.
-
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Moeller avoids sensationalism or pointing fingers, letting each side have its say and allowing viewers to decide Harlan's agenda for themselves.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!
- Discover movies your friends are watching
- Keep track of what you want to see
- Add your reviews to your Timeline
