“The Nuremberg Trials: A Film Documentary of the Trial of Principal German War Criminals”

Preparing for Critical Analysis

Producer: Roman Karmen

True believer in communism Methods considered influential and controversial

As you view, look for communist propaganda. Consider what elements may be deemed controversial.

Documentary

Released on May 24, 1947, roughly 7 months after the trials ended; the trials were held from November 20, 1945- October 1, 1946

Describes, in detail, the crimes that the Nazis committed during WWII, especially in the Soviet Union

Includes anti-capitalist propaganda Consider:

What drove the Nazis into Soviet States? What interest did the Nazis have in Soviet goods? What likeliness to capitalism is implied? How?

Anti-capitalist Propaganda

Writing a Review: Step 1

Give a title that clearly indicates the direction of your analysis

Give details: Title Intended Audience

Step 2

Explain the purpose

What is the purpose of the film? What is the main message the film maker wants to get

across to the audience? Does there seem to be a political or social agenda? Is the

agenda the primary or secondary purpose?

Step 3

Provide your prior knowledge on the subject What did you already know about the Nuremberg Trials? What did you already know about Nazi war criminals and

crimes? What did you expect to see? What questions did you have about Nuremberg Trials, Nazi

crimes, or war criminals?

Step 4

Summarize the documentary

Who or what is the subject of the documentary? What are the main events? Where was the documentary filmed?

Step 5

Explore and Analyze cinematic technique What are the sound effects?

When are they used? What impact do they have? Do you like them?

What types of images are used? What angles are used? Are the images sharp? How are the

images lit? Are there special effects? What impact do the images have? How is the impact created?

Step 6

Provide your personal comments and recommendations What part did you like most? What did you learn? Was there anything that surprised you? What are the drawbacks of the documentary? To whom would you recommend this documentary?