Watch Dear Uncle Adolf

Dear Uncle Adolf is a 2011 British documentary film directed by Michael Waldman. The film explores the relationship between Adolf Hitler and his English niece, Geli Raubal. The documentary delves into the intimate details of Hitler's personal life and sheds light on the dynamics of his relationships with the women in his life, including his own family members.

The film features exclusive access to previously unseen private letters that were exchanged between Hitler and Raubal, as well as interviews with historians and experts on Hitler's life and legacy. Through these primary sources, the director offers a unique perspective on Hitler's personality and psychology, as well as his political ambitions and ideology.

Waldman skillfully uses archival footage and dramatized reenactments to paint a vivid picture of Hitler's family life and his interactions with Raubal. The director also intersperses the film with interviews with historians and experts, who provide context and analysis of the events and relationships portrayed in the documentary.

The film begins with the story of Hitler's rise to power and his subsequent appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933. At this time, Hitler invited his half-sister's daughter, Geli Raubal, to come and live with him in his apartment in Munich. Raubal became Hitler's confidant and companion, and there were rumors that their relationship was more than just familial. However, in 1931, Raubal was found dead in Hitler's apartment with a gunshot wound to her chest. The circumstances surrounding her death have never been fully explained, and the incident remains shrouded in mystery.

Using the letters between Hitler and Raubal, the film explores their relationship in depth, revealing the complex nature of their interactions. The letters reveal a deeply troubled relationship, with Hitler often expressing his possessiveness and jealousy towards Raubal. The film suggests that Hitler's relationship with Raubal may have been emotionally abusive, with the young woman often feeling trapped and oppressed by the weight of Hitler's expectations.

Throughout the film, the director explores the broader implications of Hitler's relationship with his niece on his political ideology and worldview. The film argues that Hitler's relationships with women were shaped by his belief in a hierarchical society, in which women were subservient to men. The film suggests that Hitler's relationship with Raubal was emblematic of his belief in the ideal Nazi woman, who was expected to be docile, obedient, and submissive to male authority.

The film also examines the broader historical context of Hitler's life and political career, offering insights into the rise of the Nazi party and the events leading up to World War II. The film argues that Hitler's personal life was inextricably linked to his political ideology, and that his relationships with the women in his life were a reflection of his broader worldview.

Overall, Dear Uncle Adolf is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that sheds new light on the personal life of one of history's most notorious figures. Through the use of primary sources and expert analysis, the film provides a nuanced and complex portrait of Hitler's relationships with the women in his life. The film is a compelling exploration of the influences that shaped Hitler's worldview, and the impact of his personal relationships on his political ideology. So, if you are interested in history and want to get an in-depth look at Hitler's psychology and personal life, this film is definitely worth watching.