Conspiracy Topic #3

Let's talk about the aesthetic decisions made by the filmmakers. How successful was this movie as a work of art and why? Don't just tell us about your overall, vague impressions, but consider specific, meaningful choices made by the writers, actors, and director. You could consider cinematography, sound editing, pacing (for instance, the introductory and concluding sequences), specific performances, etc, etc.

Don't try to comment on everything, but focus on something interesting to you.

Conspiracy Topic #2

Let's explore the interpersonal dynamics at play in this reenactment. Clearly many of the attendees of the Wannsee Conference disagreed or were uncomfortable with some of the proceedings; why then do they not stand up to Heydrich at the end? How do you assess their legal or moral responsibility? Feel free to focus on one or two of the specific characters you followed in your notes. It has been observed that the conclusions of the meeting seem predetermined. Why (or why not)? Why have the meeting if the question has already been answered?

Don't try to comment on everything, but focus on something interesting to you.

Conspiracy Topic #1

Consider the ways language is used by the attendees of the Wannsee Conference, particularly the use of euphemism. Identify a few examples that stood out to you. Compare the literal meanings of each word or phrase to their intended meanings. Consider the connotations (the associated or secondary meaning of a word, its "baggage"). What effects do euphemisms have for the speakers? For the audience?

Source: Adapted from Facing History and Ourselves.