Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Suss

Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Suss is a haunting documentary that examines the life and legacy of the infamous German filmmaker Veit Harlan, who remains one of the most controversial figures in the history of cinema. Directed by Felix Moeller, this 2008 release delves deep into the role of art in Nazi propaganda, and the personal and societal consequences of Harlan's actions during the Third Reich. The film blends historical footage, interviews with family members and film historians, and a careful analysis of Harlan's works to create a comprehensive portrait of the man and his impact on film and society.

Veit Harlan was notoriously known for directing the anti-Semitic propaganda film "Jud Süß," translated in English as "Jew Süss," which was released in 1940 during the Nazi regime. Produced at the behest of Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's chief propagandist, the film played a crucial role in disseminating anti-Semitic ideology among the German population, ultimately bolstering the Nazi's sinister agenda. The role of Harlan as a filmmaker in this dark chapter of history has since sparked ongoing debates about complicity, responsibility, and the lingering shadows of Nazi propaganda within the cultural psyche of post-war Germany.

Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Suss, through a careful and thoughtful exploration, unravels the complexities surrounding Veit Harlan's persona. The documentary doesn't seek to absolve Harlan of his culpability but rather attempts to understand the man behind the camera, his motivations, and the repercussions of his work on his family and German society at large.

August Zirner, Alice Harlan, and Lotte Harlan appear in the documentary, with August Zirner lending his acting talents to bring Veit Harlan's character to life through dramatized sequences. These scenes are interwoven with interviews of Harlan's family members, including his children and grandchildren, as they reflect upon their complex heritage and the stigma attached to their name.

The descendants of Harlan grapple with the burden of his legacy, as they converse frankly about the impact of their ancestor's actions on their lives. They discuss the ostracism and guilt associated with the Harlan name, and how they each contend with the knowledge that their relative was not just a successful director but also a purveyor of the Nazi's heinous anti-Semitic message.

The documentary also features input from film historians and critics, who provide context to Veit Harlan's career beyond just his most infamous work. "Jud Süß" was not his only foray into film; Harlan was a prolific director, with a varied portfolio that included romantic dramas and historical epics, albeit influenced and limited by the constraints and expectations of Goebbels and the Nazi regime’s harsh censorship.

Despite the focus on Veit Harlan and his professional life, the documentary also paints a broader picture of the German film industry under Nazi rule and the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals who had to navigate the treacherous waters of creating art under a totalitarian regime. The fundamental question the film raises is to what extent one can separate the art from the artist, and whether the artist can be forgiven if his art has been weaponized for oppressive purposes.

The use of archival materials, such as excerpts from "Jud Süß" and Harlan’s other films, alongside original propaganda footage and private family photographs, helps to create a rich tapestry that reflects both the era and the personal. The documentary's aesthetics, interspersed with these materials, create a striking visual narrative that guides the viewer through the dark corridors of Veit Harlan's life and career, forcing the audience to confront not only his choices but also the role of the spectator in engaging with propaganda.

With its profound exploration of Veit Harlan's work and its long-lasting effects, Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Süss serves as an engrossing study in film history, morality, and the complicated process of reconciliation with the past. The documentary aims not to provide definitive answers but rather to provoke ongoing reflection on the power of cinema, the responsibility of the filmmaker, and the deep scars left by association with atrocity, both for individuals and nations as a whole. Through a sobering assessment of Veit Harlan's contribution to one of history's darkest periods, the film fosters a critical dialogue on the intersection of creativity, ethics, and the politics of memory.