When Movie Magic Conjures Historical Amnesia: The Over-Personalization and Simplification of the Origins of Nazi Anti-Semitism in Film

Abstract

This paper minces no words in addressing the problems presented in documentary coverage of Hitler. Popular documentaries misplace the emphasis of Hitler’s role in anti-Semitism and lend bias in the facts they present. This paper demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject matter. Thompson’s thorough research and clear writing lead the reader through the historical context surrounding Hitler and the rise of anti-Semitism. She illustrates other factors that contributed to anti-Semitism in Europe, and how people must take historical context into consideration when viewing historical documentaries. –Emily Cole.