Human Remains

The private lives of mid 20th century dictators are interesting in ways I wouldn't have thought, and I found myself sympathizing with some, laughing at others and occasionally reinforcing my dislike. I think I might have preferred subtitles instead of voiceovers, especially since the other voice is audible, it just adds another layer of unnecessary impenetrability to an already very stylized film.

Describing the mundane ordinary elements of the subjects' lives, as well as some of their random eccentricities, has a demythologizing effect, which I quite appreciate. I was reminded of Leonard Cohen's poem, "All There is to Know about Adolf Eichmann". It also provides plenty of fodder for psycho-political cherry pickers, which drives me crazy. Although I'm far from a history buff, I recognized at least two myths passed off as fact (Hitler had only one ball; Lenin's body is a fake).