theguardian.com
Kehlmann's "The Director": Pabst Under Nazi Rule
Daniel Kehlmann's "The Director" fictionalizes filmmaker Georg Wilhelm Pabst's World War II experiences in Nazi Germany, focusing on his struggles, subtle resistance through filmmaking, and the unfinished "Molander Case", contrasting his actions with collaborators like Leni Riefenstahl; exploring the psychological impact on Pabst and his family.
- How does Kehlmann's portrayal of Pabst's family, particularly his wife and son, illuminate the broader impact of the Nazi regime on civilian life?
- The novel uses Pabst's story to examine the complex relationship between art, politics, and personal survival under totalitarian regimes. It explores how artists navigate censorship and the moral dilemmas of creating art during wartime. Kehlmann contrasts Pabst's subtle resistance with the explicit collaboration of others, highlighting the different responses to oppression.
- What were the key challenges faced by Georg Wilhelm Pabst as a filmmaker under Nazi rule in Germany, and how did these affect his work and personal life?
- Daniel Kehlmann's "The Director" fictionalizes the experiences of filmmaker Georg Wilhelm Pabst during World War II, focusing on his struggles under Nazi rule and the unfinished film "The Molander Case". Pabst's attempts at subtle resistance through his work are highlighted, contrasting with the overt Nazi collaboration of others like Leni Riefenstahl. The novel explores the psychological toll of the era on Pabst and his family.
- To what extent does "The Director" offer a critical perspective on the role of art during times of political oppression, and what are the lasting implications of the choices made by artists under such circumstances?
- Kehlmann's novel suggests that even subtle acts of resistance can have lasting consequences, and that the impact of historical events extends beyond the immediate timeframe. The unresolved nature of "The Molander Case" reflects the lasting uncertainties and trauma of the war years. The novel prompts reflection on the responsibilities and compromises faced by artists during times of conflict.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames Kehlmann's novel as a work of imagination and artistry, emphasizing its creative use of editing and its exploration of the ambiguous relationship between historical events and fictional narratives. This framing prioritizes the artistic merit over a strict historical analysis.
Language Bias
The language used in the review is generally positive and appreciative, using terms like "imaginative," "bold," "brilliant," and "best work yet." While this positive tone might subtly influence the reader's perception, it doesn't employ overtly loaded language.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the fictional aspects of Kehlmann's novel and its departure from historical accuracy, potentially omitting a detailed analysis of Pabst's actual life and career. While acknowledging Kehlmann's unreliable narration, it doesn't delve into what specific historical details are omitted or misrepresented, making it difficult to assess the impact on the reader's understanding of Pabst's life.
Gender Bias
The review mentions Trude Pabst and her role as 'Great Man's Wife', highlighting her struggles and reliance on alcohol. However, it doesn't explicitly analyze gender bias in the novel itself or in the historical context it depicts. More analysis would be needed to assess whether the novel reinforces or challenges gender stereotypes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel depicts the detrimental impact of the Nazi regime on individuals and the arts, highlighting the suppression of freedom of expression and the persecution of those deemed undesirable. Pabst's struggle to create art under totalitarian rule and the implied complicity of some artists (like Karrasch) directly relates to the lack of peace, justice, and strong institutions during that era. The quote "when he tried to breathe in, there was only icy water, and in the distance, he knew, monsters were moving … black and many-armed, at home in the darkness" captures the atmosphere of fear and oppression.