New Documentary Revisits the Complex Life of Hildegard Knef

The film 'Ich will alles. Hildegard Knef' delves into the triumphs, struggles, and cultural impact of the post-war German icon, offering new insights into her resilience and legacy.

• The documentary, directed by Luzia Schmid, uses archival material and interviews to explore Knef's multifaceted career and personal life.
• Knef's breakout role in Wolfgang Staudte's 'Die Mörder sind unter uns' marked a pivotal moment in post-war German cinema by confronting the Nazi past.
• Her Hollywood career under David O. Selznick faltered due to cultural barriers, despite a seven-year contract, leading to her eventual return to Germany.
• Knef faced significant backlash for her role in 'Die Sünderin,' a controversial film addressing taboo topics, yet later reinvented herself as a successful chanson singer.
• The documentary highlights Knef's introspection, resilience, and philosophical reflections on fame and failure, cementing her as a cultural icon of her time.

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