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The film relies heavily on visual images to further demonstrate Hitler’s ability to transform the minds of the German masses. I know from previous history classes that Hitler was a transforming character whose charm and persona played a key factor in his ability to get so many followers. What I did not know was that people worshipped him like a rock star. The constant “Heil Hitler” hand motions of the film reminded me of a cult signal, which further emphasizes that point that Riefenstahl was trying to convey. Hitler was a brainwasher. The images of the swastikas and Nazi nearly hypnotize the viewer so one can only imagine what the effect must have been like for Germans in reality. In truth I had a difficult time getting concrete ideas of what was actually said in the film, instead I left with abstract notions in my head about the powerful nationalistic views that Hitler had on Germany. It was clear from the film that Hitler was more than successful at getting support from the people. When the country is not doing well, people look for a certain figure who can pinpoint the problem of why they are unhappy and tell them exactly what he is going to do to fix it. The blame, the intensity of passion for Germany and the ability to give a motivating speech is why Hitler was able to succeed with his Nazi party. After getting over the initial nausea, sickness and outrage of the images, I began to look critically at the film and thoroughly listened to the words of Hitler’s speech to try to understand what made him such a powerful and convincing leader. The aesthetic aspect of Hitler’s final speech is an entirely black background. When Hitler is talking, the camera zooms in on his face so that the audience can capture each facial expression and hand gesture to emphasize how strongly Hitler believes in the Nazi party. After making a motivational statement that caused the crowd to go wild, he talks about “expunging what is bad”, which is the crux of his speech. First of all, it is clear in all of Hitler’s speech his intense adoration and pride for Germany and makes that known in all of his speeches. Dignity, honor and respect seem to be key ideas in Hitler rhetoric, which further motivate and inspire the people to listen and feel not only better but proud to be Germans. He says it is not enough to believe in the power of Germany, but to have the will to “fight”. Fighting is a powerful idea because it includes the everyday citizen in Hitler’s goals and allows them to become a part of his plan to make Germany the strongest nation.