“Look Who’s Back” is a German dark comedy that mimics “Borat,” only with Adolf Hitler... There is something fascinating about watching a series of improvised candid sequences in which real Germans interact with Hitler, but there is a lot more to this film. The comedic sequences are interspersed with a scripted storyline that develops poignant themes about social media and the entertainment industry. It is a reflection of how our society will latch on to something that we know is immoral if the media presents it in the right way. Throughout the film, everybody acknowledges that Hitler is terrible and yet, they can’t help but grab a selfie with him for Instagram. A tv station knows that their rating will increase by incorporating Hitler into their programming, even if it means allowing him to present his twisted ideals. Then, once he has his captive audience, they begin to put common sense aside and agree with him because that is the power that the media has over us. Moreover, the characters love him for his historic genocide and only turn on him when they find out that he killed an animal. Oliver Masucci deserves a ton of credit for bringing the famous dictator back to life. His improvisations are witty and historically informed to give Hitler an authentic feel that drives the story from start to finish. Most people will tune into this film for its outlandish and taboo use of Hitler, but everyone will walk away with a contemplation of how our morals are shaped by the influences of the media. “Look Who’s Back” is full of scenes with Hitler on bumper cars, Hitler bowling, Hitler beekeeping - there is no shortage of anachronistic situations that they can put him in. But the genius of the mockumentary is its social commentary on how the media can influence our morality, even with something as obvious as a reincarnate Hitler.
[Pictured: There is no shortage of anachronistic situations for Adolf Hitler]
