2. “The Nuremberg Trials: A Film Documentary of the Trial of Principal German War Criminals” Preparing for Critical Analysis

3. Producer: Roman Karmen  True believer in communism  Methods considered influential and controversial  As you view, look for communist propaganda. Consider what elements may be deemed controversial.

4. Documentary  Released on May 24, 1947, roughly 7 months after the trials ended; the trials were held from November 20, 1945- October 1, 1946  Describes, in detail, the crimes that the Nazis committed during WWII, especially in the Soviet Union  Includes anti-capitalist propaganda  Consider:  What drove the Nazis into Soviet States?  What interest did the Nazis have in Soviet goods?  What likeliness to capitalism is implied? How?

5. Anti-capitalist Propaganda

6. Writing a Review: Step 1  Give a title that clearly indicates the direction of your analysis  Give details:  Title  Intended Audience

7. Step 2  Explain the purpose  What is the purpose of the film?  What is the main message the film maker wants to get across to the audience?  Does there seem to be a political or social agenda? Is the agenda the primary or secondary purpose?

8. Step 3  Provide your prior knowledge on the subject  What did you already know about the Nuremberg Trials?  What did you already know about Nazi war criminals and crimes?  What did you expect to see?  What questions did you have about Nuremberg Trials, Nazi crimes, or war criminals?

9. Step 4  Summarize the documentary  Who or what is the subject of the documentary?  What are the main events?  Where was the documentary filmed?

10. Step 5  Explore and Analyze cinematic technique  What are the sound effects?  When are they used? What impact do they have? Do you like them?  What types of images are used?  What angles are used? Are the images sharp? How are the images lit? Are there special effects? What impact do the images have? How is the impact created?

11. Step 6  Provide your personal comments and recommendations  What part did you like most?  What did you learn?  Was there anything that surprised you?  What are the drawbacks of the documentary?  To whom would you recommend this documentary?