Spring, 1998
Thursdays, 4:30 - 7 pm
Comer Hall, Room 246

Write a brief essay (undergraduates c. 3 pages, graduates somewhat longer) on one of the following topics. As an alternative you may choose your own topic, but please check it with me first.

1. Discuss Leni Riefenstahl’s life in terms of the title of this film, "The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl." Which aspect predominates in this film and why? Contrast how she represents her life (her words) with how the writer/director of the documentary, Ray Müller, represents it cinematically (for example, information or perspectives provided by the narrator and the camera itself).
2. Evaluate "The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl" as a documentary film. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Does it succeed as a documentary (is it objective and/or neutral toward its subject matter? —consider the film’s opening disclaimer) or is it closer to propaganda (does it represent a particular perspective or interpretation of its subject matter?)? Contrast this film with other documentaries with which you may be familiar (if possible), and consider its cinematic techniques such as the voice over, intercutting of different kinds of footage, sound effects, and the numerous scenes revealing the making of the documentary itself (the "metatext" of the film).