The Stranger Suggests
Film
'The Rape of Europa' at SIFF Cinema at McCaw Hall
This epic film, based on the book by Lynn H. Nicholas, is the story of the Nazi march on Europe, told not through field battles, but in battles for art. Hitler compiled a hit list of wanted artworks before invasions, from Leonardo in Poland to Rembrandts, Raphaels, and Vermeers in France, Russia, and Italy. An army of people who wanted to keep art out of criminal hands fought on the other side, including museum staffers (some died in the freezing cellar of the Hermitage); the little-known American "Monuments Men"; and mousy little Rose Valland, the French spy. (SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St, 324-9996. 7:30 pm, $8–$10, Feb 8–14.)
JEN GRAVES
I've heard this is a must-see film - according to a number of friends who were talking about it on Sunday.
I saw this film last evening, with my friend, The Ginger Breadstick. It was absolutely captivating.
Having read the book, I was anxious to see if it was as compelling, and I'm pleased to report it most certainly is.
By all means, see this film if you have any interest in culture and its role within power structures.
And if you like the film, get the book, as it delves into even greater detail.
I saw it last night and was a little disappointed. The film stopped well short of making some key points. It skimmed over the abuse of art by regimes and its roll in such societies. Art as propoganda was only mentioned in passing. The conclusion of controling art controls propoganda was not reached.
Instead the film chose depict the Nazis as common criminals who lacked the sophistication to understand what they were stealing or destroying. There is already a super abundance of evidence of that truth.
As per his modus operandi WIS is the first to post. Despite the fact he has neither read the book nor seen the film.
How do you know I haven't read the book?
I'm well acquainted with the looting of art works from Occupied Europe by the Nazis, actually.
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