Screenhead

Filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl has long been a subject of fascination, and mixed feelings. Commissioned by Hitler to film the Olympics held in Nazi Germany, Olympia is still respected for the innovative camera work, making the film live as an example of cinematic art. There is also terrific camera work in Triumph of the Will, but it is harder to think in aesthetic terms of a documentary designed to glorify Hitler. Riefenstahl has been the subject of a lengthy documentary herself. Now Jodie Foster will star as Riefenstahl.

Foster had tried to get the rights to Riefenstahl’s story when the filmmaker was alive, only to be refused. According to an article in The Guardian, Riefenstahl’s choice to play her was Sharon Stone. At this time a screenplay is in the works. As Riefenstahl had a long life with careers as a top German movie star, filmmaker and photographer, it is uncertain how much will be covered in Foster’s film. While most people are aware of Riefenstahl’s documentaries, what is not as well known is that she starred in mountain climbing films in the early Thirties. Riefenstahl’s interest in athletic activities was lifelong both behind and in front of the camera. When I briefly met Riefenstahl at Telluride in 1974, she let us know that she was doing underwater photography (Riefensthal was 72).

At this time, no director has been attached to Foster’s production. Shooting is expected to begin before the end of 2008.