The Decent One Poster

The Decent One 2014

★ 6.425 votes94 min📅 2014-02-09

Director Vanessa Lapa's *The Decent One (2014)* peels back the carefully curated facade of Heinrich Himmler, the architect of Nazi Germany's Final Solution, revealing a chilling portrait through his private letters, diaries, and photographs.

Director: Vanessa Lapa

Cast

Heinrich Himmler
Heinrich Himmler
Self (archive footage)
Tobias Moretti
Tobias Moretti
Heinrich Himmler (voice)
Sophie Rois
Sophie Rois
Marga Himmler (voice)
Lotte Ledl
Lotte Ledl
Hedwig Potthast (voice)
Gudrun Himmler
Gudrun Himmler
Antonia Moretti
Antonia Moretti
Gudrun Himmler (voice)
Florentin Groll
Florentin Groll
Gehbard Himmler (voice)
Pauline Knof
Pauline Knof
Anna Himmler (voice)
Lenz Moretti
Young Heinrich Himmler (voice)
Hermann Göring
Hermann Göring
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Decent One (2014) about?

*The Decent One* uncovers the duality of Heinrich Himmler's life by examining his private writings and personal artifacts, revealing how his domestic persona clashed with his role in the Holocaust. It's not just a biography but a psychological unraveling of one of history's most notorious figures, framed through his own words.

Who directed The Decent One?

Vanessa Lapa directed *The Decent One*, bringing a meticulous and unsettling approach to the documentary genre.

Who stars in The Decent One?

The film features Tobias Moretti as the voice of Heinrich Himmler, alongside Sophie Rois, Lotte Ledl, Gudrun Himmler, and Antonia Moretti in key roles.

Is The Decent One (2014) worth watching?

For history buffs and documentary enthusiasts, *The Decent One* is a gripping watch—its intimate lens and refusal to sanitize Himmler's image make it a standout in war documentaries. While intense in tone, it offers a rare perspective on the banality behind monstrous acts.

How long is The Decent One?

The Decent One (2014) runs for 94 minutes.

About The Decent One (2014) — A Chilling Look at Heinrich Himmler's Private Life

Director Vanessa Lapa's *The Decent One (2014)* peels back the carefully curated facade of Heinrich Himmler, the architect of Nazi Germany's Final Solution, revealing a chilling portrait through his private letters, diaries, and photographs. Drawn from secrets discovered in the Himmler family home after WWII, this documentary strips away the myth of the "decent" bureaucrat, exposing the contradictions between Himmler's family life and his role in orchestrating genocide. Lapa crafts a haunting narrative that lingers on moral ambiguities, blending intimate family drama with the weight of historical atrocities. The film's black-and-white archival footage and measured pacing create an unsettling atmosphere, forcing viewers to confront the banality of evil in a deeply personal context.

With Tobias Moretti lending gravitas to Himmler's voice and Sophie Rois grounding the narrative with stark authenticity, *The Decent One* transcends traditional war documentaries. It's a psychological excavation rather than a mere historical recounting, probing how ordinary lives can intertwine with unimaginable horror.