BLIND SPOT: HITLER'S SECRETARY A film review by Steve Rhodes Copyright 2003 Steve Rhodes RATING (0 TO ****): * 1/2
Although the documentary, BLIND SPOT: HITLER'S SECRETARY (IM TOTEN WINKEL - HITLERS SEKRETÄRIN), about Traudl Junge, one of Hitler's secretaries, might sound fascinating, it never is. In one of the most traditional and boring documentaries in recent memory, directors André Heller and Othmar Schmiderer just point the camera at Junge and let her talk. This gives the audience one and a half hours of a single talking head. There is no archival or other footage to illustrate or enliven any of the points.
This entirely static approach to the filming still might have worked if Junge had anything to say. Her only revelation is that Hitler, in private, was a reserved man who was polite to his secretaries. Everything else she says has been said better by others and with more insight and knowledge of the events. And since she talks non-stop with little emotion in her face or voice, watching the movie is no better than reading a transcript of the interview on the Internet. I haven't seen any of the other films by these directors, but I would assume that they must be better.
BLIND SPOT: HITLER'S SECRETARY runs 1:30. The film is in German with English subtitles. It is rated PG for "thematic material" and would be acceptable for any kid old enough to be able to read subtitles.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, February 28, 2003. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the Camera Cinemas.
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