Customer Reviews

Leni Riefenstahl-Five Lives: A Biography in Pictures (Photobook)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

... Taschen in cooperation with Leni have produced a magnificent book - there's no disputing that! I especially appreciated the large stills from Leni's early movies and thought the grainy look on matt paper an appropriate way to present them. For people who are unfamiliar with Riefenstahl's work this book serves well as a visual "Sampler" - in that purpose it is ***** (5 star). Being familiar as I am with all of Leni's photo books, I would much rather a publisher like Taschen pick up the rights and re-publish "Olympia", "The People of Kau" and "Nuba" - any of these books is a far more essential purchase than "Five Lives". Also worth reading is "Sieve of Time" - Leni Riefenstahl's memoir. The photos from "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympia" -good as they are- don't (and can't) convey the power of the movies from which they came. If you haven't seen these movies, rent or buy the videos.......oh how I'd love to see restored prints of these movies on the big screen! This book is worth buying for those unfamiliar with Riefenstahl's work...and for those wanting an overview of her work in a single volume. But to really appreciate her work......seek out her out-of-print books!

First off, I must give praise to Angelika Taschen for publishing this grand, aesthetic book featuring stills of the life and work of misunderstood renaissance-woman Leni Riefenstahl... What a bold, beautiful result it has become... Personally I would have weighted the pictures of the "Triumpf des Willens"/"Olympia" period more in favour of the later Riefenstahl works, but none the less, this is a brilliant "from the cradle to the grave" document of the amazing life and art of Leni... (Although Leni actually, to the best of my knowledge, isn't dead yet...She is approaching her 100th year of existance!....) Like Ernst Jünger, who lived to be 102 year old!, Leni Riefenstahl seem to transcend both time and history....

"How could I not admire you, for you are the genius of film and have raised it to heights seldom achieved." Jean Cocteau

A biography in pictures of arguably the most influential female film-maker in the history of the medium...though all too many people in the industry are afraid to admit to it. Made the greatest propaganda film in history (unfortunate choice of subject matter) and the most important and influential sports documentary of all time (Olympia). Dancer, actress, director, producer, still photographer, underwater cinematographer...an astounding list of accomplishments driven by a desire to perceive and record the world around her has compelled Leni Riefenstahl since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Oversized, handsomely produced volume (typical Taschen quality) is packed with rare photographs and fascinating commentary. Note: sparkle in eyes of 19-year old dancer and 99-year old legend is exactly the same.

This is definately the most detailed presentation of the great German Lady of Photography. One really gets a very good impression, not only of the vast and different body of work she has, but also of the incredible life this 99 year old veteran of photography has led. This is a must for every serious photography lover!

This is a marvelous coffee table book displaying the work of Leni Riefenstahl as I, for one, have never seen it. From her early film work, to her Nazi work, to her work in Africa and her underwater shots, this book will amaze all of us who connect Ms. Riefenstahl solely with Nazi Germany. It is a fascinating look at the long, long career of this no-doubt interesting and resiliant woman.

A biography in pictures of arguably the most influential female film-maker in the history of the medium...though all too many people in the industry are afraid to admit to it. Made the greatest propaganda film in history (unfortunate choice of subject matter) and the most important and influential sports documentary of all time (Olympia). Dancer, actress, director, producer, still photographer, underwater cinematographer...an astounding list of accomplishments driven by a desire to perceive and record the world around her has compelled Leni Riefenstahl since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Oversized, handsomely produced volume (typical Taschen quality) is packed with rare photographs and fascinating commentary. Note: sparkle in eyes of 19-year old dancer and 99-year old legend is exactly the same.

How different would Leni Riefenstahl's life have been had she not filmed Triumph of the Will? One can only speculate what films she would have directed and starred in after World War II were it not for Hitler insisting she do the film.

Riefenstahl has been referred to as a Renaissance woman, and she most certainly was. She was a creative being and expressed her creativity in dance, acting, directing, photography and ocean diving. These five areas, spanning her entire long life, are the subject of this sumptuous coffee table book.

Editor Taschen Angelica is to be commended on compiling this life-work on Riefenstahl while Leni was still alive to assist in the selection and arrangement of the photographs. The segment on the mountain films is worth the price of the book alone, but the color images of the Nuba are also amazing.

Riefenstahl's revenge against those who denied her her cinematic craft after World War II was being able to live to 101, and seeing her life-long accomplishments compliled into this book. Rumor has it Jody Foster is at work on a film project about Riefenstahl. One hopes Foster will get it right and cover her entire life, not just the years that caused so much controversy.

This is the story, with wonderful photographs, of the many phases of the life of this incredible woman. Her long and colorful life is chronicled in this excellent work, which includs many previously unpublished photos. At age 71, Leni started Scuba diving, and underwater photography, beginning yet another career and perhaps her best work. Riefenstahl was very involved in FIVE LIVES and the book gives considerable detail and insight into her personal and professional life. It is a wonderful collection. Not to be missed by any serious student of the history of film or photography.

This volume is very well put together, and Riefenstahl worked personally with Taschen on it. I don't know what the reviewer who gave it one star was complaining about...I suppose some of the photos look grainy because they are 70 years old? I thought using the different paper for the older photos was a nice touch. The book is wonderfully pleasing to look at and a good visual document of Riefenstahl's pursuits...It is amazing that she is still alive and apparently going strong at 99. She seems indestructible.

As gifted as she is controversial, Leni Riefenstahl's "five" lives are imminently fascinating as this impressive book will prove! Even to the uninformed or casual observer, this edition will entrance. A great addition to your library, especially if you are impressed by the 102 year old dynamo who continues to prove filmmaking and photography as an art form. A living testament to the fact that "bodies in motion, stay in motion!"