Film Lens
The Decent One is a biographical documentary directed by Vanessa Lapa that focuses on Heinrich Himmler, a prominent figure in the Nazi regime. The film is based on a collection of letters and diary entries purchased by Lapa's parents, which were published in Die Welt. It features readings of these documents by unseen actors, accompanied by archival footage, to provide insight into Himmler's life and beliefs.
The documentary traces Himmler's anti-Semitic views back to his college years and examines his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Margarete. It presents Himmler's rationalizations for his actions during the Holocaust and his ability to separate his identity as a loyal German from his role in mass murder, even as Germany faced defeat in World War II.
Why Watch
- •See Heinrich Himmler's personal letters and diaries.
- •Meet Margarete Himmler and learn about her views.
- •Find out how documents were acquired from the Himmler household.
Did You Know
•The documentary premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2014.
•US Army soldiers seized Himmler's documents, which were later authenticated by the German Federal Archives.
•Lapa's parents bought the documents in 2006 to create this film.
•The film features readings from diaries and letters, including those from Himmler and his family.
Perfect For
Nazi historyHolocaust studiesDocumentary filmmaking