I think the problem of relationship between fascism and art is much more complex than last posts on the list lead us to believe. One of the issues is aesthetic: what is beautiful. Antoher is more political: how art can be (or is) used? Even the question of *degenerate art* in Nazi Germany is not so clear cut: see the art collections of the Nazi leaders - plenty of proscribed artwork in their secret cellars. In Leni R.'s films we can see all the complexity of the issue. Are their films porpaganda? Without any doubt the answer is yes. And remember, in achieving it she used also quite modern, almost avant-guarde cutting, not only pro-filmic objects and events that would please Nazi eyes. Everything would be much easier if she were not so bloody talented! The problem is, of course, that we cannot (at least not in such extreme cases as LR proves to be) separate form, content and the historical and political knowledge. After all, Wagner's music practically cannot be heard in any concert in Israel - Wagner musical/operatic merits notwithstanding. Boris Vidovic Finnish Film Archive PL 177 00151 Helsinki tel.: +358 9 6154 0258 [log in to unmask] ---- For past messages, visit the Screen-L Archives: http://bama.ua.edu/archives/screen-l.html