Triumph of the Will

About This Movie

So, this UCLA student film from 1980 is pretty wild. It takes distorted Nazi newsreels and then fuses them with a barrage of postmodern imagery, all in stark black and white. The visuals are inverted, creating an unsettling atmosphere that echoes with the punk energy of 'Anarchy in the UK' by the Sex Pistols. It's more about feeling than narrative, really. The pacing is erratic, like a fever dream, which really emphasizes the chaos of the visuals and the soundtrack. It’s a unique piece that explores the disjointedness of history and media, making you think about how we consume propaganda, especially in an era where imagery can be so easily manipulated. Quite an experience, for sure.

This film has a limited release history, often circulating in collector circles rather than mainstream distribution. Copies are scarce, making it an interesting piece for those focused on experimental cinema. The preservation by the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research adds a layer of legitimacy that collectors appreciate, as it ensures the film's survival and continued study within academic contexts.