Leni

The Life and Work of Leni Riefenstahl

By: Steven Bach

Narrated by: Henrietta Teifenthaler

Known as “Hitler's Filmmaker,” Leni Riefenstahl directed two of the most innovative and effective propaganda documentaries ever made, Triumph of the Will (1935) and Olympia (1938), which glorified the Third Reich. In this definitive biography, Steven Bach illuminates the truths and lies regarding the self-proclaimed apolitical artist's involvement with Hitler and other Nazi leaders who financed and advanced her career.

Leni is a story of huge talent and even huger determination, the story of a woman who was unable to express remorse for the millions murdered by the Nazi regime she elevated to mythic proportions. Probing the sometimes-blurred borders that divide art and beauty from truth and humanity, Bach untangles the past and gives an objective but unsparing appraisal of a woman of spectacular gifts who was corrupted by ruthless personal ambition.

©2007 Steven Bach (P)2007 Phoenix Books, Inc.

First Lady of the Third Reich

This was a very honest and informative account about the self-absorbed life of Leni. Even though she made many advancements in the early years of the filming industry, unfortunately she did many underneath one of the most evil governments in history and had more similarities with Hitler than she would have admitted. This work helps readers see through many of her contradictions and how film/art can be just as guilty of genocide as those who pull the trigger. Leni sold herself to the altar of pride, vanity, and success at any cost, and paid dearly for it. Great work on learning about her life!

Good book bad narrator

I liked the book but I had trouble with the narrator. I am not sure what type of accent she has or if she has any training for speaking but it seemed to me she was awful. I struggled to understand her in some places and she mispronounces many common english words. She detracts from the story. I am not sure what qualifications she brought to the job as at least as an english speaker she is lacking.

Narration is trying

I reduced the narrative speed to 7, I was able to finish the book. Content is worth it

Leni biography

For years I wanted to know more about her life every since I saw her life story on the show Biography . This book answered all of my questions . Mrs Tiefenthalet performance was wonderful .

LISTEND TO THE FIRST 3 MINUTES AND HAD ENOUGH

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

A deaf person may enjoy this book..

Would you recommend Leni to your friends? Why or why not?

horrible narrator with accent too harsh for a long book..

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Henrietta Tiefenthaler?

she is horrible.

Any additional comments?

Avoid this book