Watch Im toten Winkel

Im toten Winkel, also known as Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary, is a 2002 documentary film directed by André Heller and Othmar Schmiderer. The film features the life story of Traudl Junge, who was Adolf Hitler's secretary during the Second World War. The title "Blind Spot" refers to Junge's personal reflection of her actions, as well as the unknowing nature of the public regarding the atrocities that were committed during the Nazi regime.

The documentary is a chronological narrative of Junge's life, starting with her childhood in post-World War I Germany, including her experiences during the Depression era and the rise of the Nazi party. Junge's journey then takes us through her work with Hitler from 1942 until his death in 1945. The film concludes with her post-war life, where she married and began working in film production.

Throughout the film, Junge reflects on her experiences and her relationship with Hitler from a position of innocence and ignorance. The documentary provides insight into the mindset and motivations of the Nazi dictator, through Junge's eyes. It is a unique perspective that is absent from typical historical narratives, which usually feature either the viewpoint of the victors or the high-ranking officials of the defeated regime.

The film employs a range of techniques to tell Junge's story, including footage of Junge reflecting on her experiences, archival footage from WWII, and interviews with historians and people who knew Junge. The combination of these elements provides a well-rounded portrayal of Junge's life and times, as well as the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Blind Spot" is the way it shows how ordinary people became caught up in one of the most horrific events in history. Traudl Junge was one of the many individuals who believed what the Nazis were saying and who, as a result, participated in the regime's atrocities. However, what sets Junge apart from most others is her willingness to publicly acknowledge her role and apologize for her actions.

The film's title, "Blind Spot," is a reflection of Junge's own feelings of guilt and shame for not seeing the full extent of what was happening around her. She describes how she closed her eyes to the truth of the regime and the horrors that were being committed. The title can also be interpreted as a metaphor for how the world was blind to the Nazi's atrocities, choosing to ignore the horrors that were taking place.

In addition to providing insight into the Nazi regime, the film also sheds light on Junge's life after the war. It is poignant to see how, years after the war has ended, she still feels an overwhelming sense of guilt for her involvement, and yet is also trapped by her experiences to that time. The film is a testament to Junge's bravery in confronting her past, as well as her desire to educate others about the horrors of the regime.

Overall, "Blind Spot" is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the personal struggles of those who lived through one of the darkest periods of human history. It is powerful in its simplicity and honesty, and yet disturbing in its depiction of the horrors of the Nazi regime. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the mindset of those who participated in the atrocities of WWII and the impact of these acts on subsequent generations.