Rolf Giesen Livres

Among their many idiosyncrasies, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi minister of propaganda, remained serious cartoon aficionados throughout their lives. They adored animation and their influence on German animation after World War II continues to this day. This study explores Hitler and Goebbels' efforts to establish a German cartoon industry to rival Walt Disney's and their love-hate relationship with American producers, whose films they studied behind locked doors. Despite their ambitious dream, all that remains of their efforts are a few cartoon shorts--advertising and puppet films starring dogs, cats, birds, hedgehogs, insects, Teutonic dwarves, and other fairy-tale ensemble. While these pieces do not hold much propaganda value, they perfectly illustrate Hannah Arendt's controversial description of those who perpetrated the Holocaust: the banality of evil.

Exploring the production of the 1921 horror classic, the narrative delves into the intriguing background of F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu and its star, Max Schreck. It uncovers connections to a group of occultists aiming to create a prominent film company dedicated to horror cinema. The author also highlights other iconic German silent films, including The Golem, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and Metropolis, providing a comprehensive view of the era's cinematic landscape and its influence on the genre.

Hitler and the Nazis saturated their country with many types of propaganda to convince the German citizenry that the Nazi ideology was the only ideology. As Joseph Goebbels, who was in charge of propaganda for Nazi Germany, said, "The essence of propaganda consists in winning people over to an idea so sincerely, so vitally, that in the end they succumb to it utterly and can never escape from it." One type of propaganda on which the Nazis relied heavily was cinematic.This work focuses primarily on Nazi propaganda feature films and feature-length documentaries made in Germany between 1933 and 1945 and released to the public. Some of them were Staatsanftragsfilme, films produced by order of and financed by the Third Reich. This combination history and filmography is a complete resource on the films and those who made them.

Exploring a rich tapestry of fantasy and horror, this collection features a diverse array of characters and themes, including fairies, witches, and dragons, alongside darker elements like vampires and the supernatural. The narrative weaves through nightmares and children's tales, incorporating robots, mad scientists, and occultism, while also delving into post-apocalyptic scenarios. This anthology captures the essence of imagination, blending folklore with science fiction, creating a captivating universe filled with wonder and terror.

Focusing on the evolution of special effects in film, this book highlights the innovative techniques used by artists, including matte painting, stop-motion animation, and in-camera effects. It explores the creative processes behind these methods and their role in captivating audiences throughout cinematic history. By showcasing the talents of special effects artists, the book provides insight into the artistry and technical skill that have shaped the visual storytelling of film.

In early 1933, Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister, confidently proclaimed the regime's intent to maintain its influence over the German film industry. This statement highlights the intersection of politics and culture during a pivotal moment in history, illustrating how the Nazis sought to harness cinema as a tool for propaganda and control. The book delves into the implications of this assertion and the broader impact on the film industry under Nazi rule.

The book delves into the unexpected and alarming connections between the Nazi regime and the Hollywood film industry following World War II. It uncovers the infiltration of Nazi ideology and influences within the entertainment sector, revealing a hidden history that intertwines politics and cinema. The narrative promises to challenge readers' perceptions of Hollywood's past and its implications for contemporary society.

Delving into the surprising connections between Hollywood and the Nazi regime, this book uncovers the unsettling facts surrounding the infiltration of the film industry after World War II. It reveals how political agendas influenced cinematic narratives and the extent to which propaganda permeated popular culture, challenging readers to confront the darker side of Hollywood's history. The exploration of these themes sheds light on the complex interplay between entertainment and ideology during a tumultuous period.

Dämonenbrut - Poltergeist - Die unheimliche Macht - bk204; Burgschmiet Verlag; Rolf Giesen; Paperback; 1997

Im Juni 1945, vor den Toren Berlins, wird das Schicksal von Karl Neumann, einem NSDAP-Mitglied und Betriebsführer der Deutschen Zeichenfilm GmbH, beleuchtet. Während er versuchte, eine harmlose Trickfilm-Produktion im Stil von Walt Disney aufzubauen, zeigt Dr. Rolf Giesen die absurde Verbindung zwischen deutscher Filmkunst und den Gräueltaten des Nationalsozialismus. Durch Interviews mit Zeitzeugen wird die paradoxe Realität des deutschen Trickfilms während des Krieges, einschließlich der Verlagerung der Produktion nach Dachau, anschaulich dargestellt. Nur wenige Filme entstanden, deren Nachwirkungen bis heute spürbar sind.