Hitler versus Picasso and the others

"Hitler vs Picasso and the others" is a fascinating 2018 documentary film that takes an in-depth look at the Nazi regime's dangerous and chilling passion for art; exploring how Hitler, a failed artist himself, together with his cohorts, attempted to dictate and reshape the European art landscape according to their own twisted view. Starring renowned Italian actor Toni Servillo, with expert commentary from Oxford historian Timothy Garton Ash and Holocaust scholar Jean-Marc Dreyfus, the film skillfully navigates through the dark corridors of art, power, and politics in one of the most harrowing eras of modern history.

The documentary ingeniously offers viewers a rich tapestry of intertwining narratives. Through archival footage, famous paintings, scholarly commentary, and intimate interviews, the documentary delves into the wide-ranging personal and sociopolitical implications of Hitler's obsession with art. The narrative isn’t confined only to Hitler's destruction of what he deemed "degenerate art" but also explores his ambitious plan to establish his envisioned 'Führermuseum'.

As the lead, Servillo serves as a curious, perturbed guide who takes the audience on this eye-opening emotional journey. His almost inviting portrayal oscillates between an art enthusiast and a historian, maneuvering an exploration into the despotic dictator who sought to control the future of European culture.

Garton Ash and Dreyfus strengthen the narrative foundation with their erudition. They provide a critical lens into the systemic looting and the consequent displacement of priceless works of art by the Nazis, unearthing unsettling truths about the significant losses incurred by the art world. They also provide an insight into the complex exercise of artworks' repatriation post War.

"Hitler vs Picasso and The Others" uncovers the grand scale of Nazi looting while also highlighting individual stories of stolen art from Jewish collectors and the strenuous efforts to return, restore, or remember them. This exploration reveals how deep the scars run and paints a somber picture of an emotionally charged history and its aftermath.

The title of the film, suggesting a fight or a confrontation, metaphorically cues the atrocious clash between the megalomaniac dictatorship of Hitler who sought to redefine 'true German art' and the avant-garde artists like Picasso, whose innovative expressions were denounced as degenerate. The film discusses Hitler's dismissal of modernist currents such as Cubism, Dada and Surrealism, which he perceived as a betrayal and insult to classical artistic standards. This surreal tug-of-war between innovation and obscurantism brings a intriguing dynamic to the documentary.

At its core, this feature offers a perspective that is as thought-provoking as it is shocking. The methodical approach towards its narration unearths well-known facts and forgotten stories, evoking a comprehensive exploration of Hitler's complicated relationship with art and its grim repercussions.

This intriguing documentary doesn’t shy away from delving into the paradox of Hitler's art world - the dichotomy of his aspiration coupled with his disdain, his obsession merged with destruction, and his hunger for control that led to chaos. It exposes the immense amount of artwork stolen, hidden, and often destroyed by the Nazis, thereby drawing the portrait of a genocide that didn’t just wipe out people but attempted to decimate a culturally rich past.

The film also creates a vivid portrait of some of the key figures who played a crucial role in this authoritarian quest for art dominance, including Hitler's right-hand man Hermann Göring, who harbored an equally prolific and opportunistic love for art. The documentary also takes us through the lives and works of artists celebrated and denounced, adding a layer of personal stories shadowed by this all-encompassing power play.

Stapled with captivating transitions, the narrative takes you through prestigious galleries and museums, somber concentration camps, and even into the depths of salt mines where Nazis hid seized art, offering a balanced storytelling experience.

"Hitler vs Picasso and the others” is a documentary that goes beyond the aesthetics of art to underscore its intrinsic link to human identity, dignity, and memory. It is a compelling watch for anyone interested in history, the Third Reich, stolen art, or the sociopolitical dimensions of artistic expression. Overall, the film provides a unique perspective on how art, a reflection of human creativity and sentiment, fell prey to the monstrous ambitions of a tyrant, and how its ripple effects are still felt today.