Watch Human Lampshade: A Holocaust Mystery

Human Lampshade: A Holocaust Mystery is a documentary film released in 2012, directed by Keith Beauchamp. The film follows the story of Adam J. Smith, a young American journalist and investigator, as he attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding a gruesome object alleged to be made from human skin - a lampshade - that was purportedly recovered from a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.

The film delves into the history of the lampshade, examining the evidence and the theories surrounding its origin and authenticity. It explores the possibility that such a horrific object could be created by the Nazis, and investigates the stories and rumors that have arisen about it over the years.

The central figure in the film is Mark Jacobson, a New York writer who first encountered the lampshade in an antiques store in the Louisiana countryside in 2003. Jacobson was initially skeptical about the authenticity of the lampshade, but as he delved deeper into its history, he became convinced of its horrific origins. He went on to write an article about it for New York magazine, which sparked a media frenzy and reignited the debate about the truth behind the lampshade.

Liev Schreiber provides narration for the film, while Michael Berenbaum, a distinguished Holocaust scholar, provides context and analysis of the investigation. Together, they provide a sobering reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of uncovering the truth about its history.

Throughout the film, Smith immerses himself in the story of the lampshade, interviewing a range of experts, including historians, forensic scientists, and Holocaust survivors. He visits concentration camps in Europe, seeking evidence of the lampshade's origins and its alleged use by the Nazis. His journey takes him across continents and through a maze of clues and rumors in his quest to unravel the mystery.

The film raises a number of chilling questions about the lampshade, including whether it is a genuine artifact from the Holocaust or a hoax perpetrated by someone seeking to profit from it. It explores the psychological impact of the lampshade on those who have investigated it, as well as the wider implications of such a horrific object being made from human skin.

Human Lampshade: A Holocaust Mystery is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the Holocaust. It is a testament to the courage and dedication of those who seek to uncover the truth about this dark chapter in history, and a reminder of the atrocities that occurred during this period.