Historical Relevance in Documentary

In his article entitled "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction", Walter Benjamin makes the claim that "The unique existence of the work of art determined the history to which it was subject throughout the time of its existence." I agree with this statement in the context of Leni Riefenstahl's 1935 documentary "Triumph of the Will." In considering Rea Tajiri's History and Memory, however, I would claim that the converse is true - the unique history of the United States during the time of the Japanese internment camps has enabled the existence and continuing impact of Tajiri's work. I would go even further and say that Riefenstahl's work has lost a great deal of its intitial power due to the simple fact that we are no longer living in the time period in which its message was relevant. In reflecting upon the past from a modern perspective, Tajiri has created a work of art whose relevance will transcend the particular circumstance of the time in which it was produced.



When Riefenstahl presented Triumph of the Will to a Germany that was entrhalled by the Fuhrer's charms and passionate dedication to improving his country, it produced exactly the effect that Hitler, the Nazi party, and Riefenstahl herself had desired. The film is a brilliant example of propaganda in cinema, and its execution is nearly flawless in its attempts at persuasion. The film opens with a sweeping shot of the German landscape and shows Hitler's planes flying through a clear sky. The development of the filmic "story" is beautifully accomplished as well - the events of each of the first 3 days that are catalogued build up perfectly to the final day, which can be seen as the climax, in which the most memorable images are presented to the viewer. The final message of the film itself is clearly stated in Hitler's speech in which he makes the claim that all loyal Germans will be members of the National Socialist party. Riefenstahl's impeccable use of camera techniques (such as aerial shots, sweeping images of the enormous crowds that swelled to hear the Furher speak, and evocative close ups of individuals) coupled with her choice of emotionally stirring music by German composer Richard Wagner must have inspired viewers to even more fervent levels of dedication to the leader who was supposedly going to save their nation.

For modern day viewers, however, the effectiveness of the political message of Triumph of the Will has mostly vanished. The propaganda will no longer inspire viewers to believe in Hitler's message, or make them willing to adhere to his vision for the future of Germany. The course of World War II and its aftermath, as well as the course of history in the decades since, prevents viewers from finding any relation between the viewpoint he espoused and the world in which we live today. The film's power, therefore, has been relegated to the status of a historical artifact: it is now considered to be one of the greatest examples of political propaganda in cinema, but is no longer remotely powerful in its persuasiveness or particular message. It is praised for what it once was, and what it will never again be able to achieve.


History and Memory, on the other hand, speaks to a particular period in history from a detached perspective. The film presents the story of a family that was impacted by the imprisonment of Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II - but unlike Triumph of the Will, it is told years after the fact, when the war was completed and America had had years to ponder the events and come to emotional terms with them. It remains relevant for viewers today because it is not stuck in the past. It embraces the past as the foundation for its message, but understands it for what it was and the impact that it would come to have. It is nearly impossible to approach a contemporary issue or event from a detached and forward-thinking perspective, because the ultimate impact of the events cannot be foreseen. Film that addresses events as they happen will undoubtedly become outdated and irrelevant because later viewers will never be able to fully understand or embrace the mentality that inspired them. By waiting to examine the events until there has been a significant period of time for reflection and analysis, Tajiri has created a film that will continue to have an emotional impact on viewers, regardless of the particular moment in history in which they come into contact with it.

It should be noted, however, that the lack of relevance in today's world does not diminish the grand success the Riefenstahl has enjoyed from her production of Triumph of the Will. Although it is no longer politically or socially applicable, it can still be appreciated for what it once was, and serve as a modern example and excellent inspiration to any directors who may attempt to have a similar impact on the world today.