Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty (“Olympia 2. Teil – Fest der Schönheit”)
Directed by Leni Riefenstahl
Written by Leni Riefenstahl
1938/Germany
Olympia Film GmbH
Repeat viewing
#126 of 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die
I am fascinated by what is beautiful, strong, healthy, what is living. I seek harmony. — Leni Riefenstahl
The second part of Riefenstahl’s documentary features the decathalon plus all the sports not on the track and field Olympic lineup. Once again, we begin with a prologue – this time featuring nude male atheletes swimming in a natural setting and finishing up with a hearty sauna. All of the sports coverage is quite lovely, with even some funny moments during the steeplechase event as officers and horses repeatedly get dunked. My very favorite part of the film was an Olympic diving sequence right at the end (see clip below). It was mesmerizing to watch the dives without narration and without nationality or winners. Riefenstahl demonstrates her brilliance as an editor here and throughout Olympia. Recommended.
Clip – diving
