July 9, 2008

Axelrod's Fall Riefenstahl Strategy

By Lee Cary
This fall, watch for David Axelrod, Obama's campaign manager, to choreograph at least two post-convention mass events at least slightly reminiscent of the stagecraft of Leni Riefenstahl in 1934 Germany.Ms. Riefenstahl first heard her idol at a 1932 rally. She was enthralled by his public speaking ability and became a devotee, dedicating her genius to making films that deified The Leader. Her 1934 work entitled "Triumph of the Will," documenting a mass rally in Nuremberg, remains a movie classic with its pioneering dramatic camera work and superbly suggestive imagery. Riefenstahl, a former dancer, put a camera on a semi-circular track and did a continuous rolling shoot that revolved 180 degrees around the stationary Leader, projecting his firm, unwavering, demigod-like resolve before adoring masses eager to be rescued. The film is still widely regarded as the most innovative and effective propaganda piece ever made.  Watch for a reincarnation of the Riefenstahl Strategy...(Read Full Article)