Look Who's Back

It's 2011 and Adolf Hitler has just woken up in Berlin, in full regalia, only slightly dusty but otherwise no worse for wear. Hitler being Hitler accepts his new found situation and soon becomes a YouTube celebrity, lauded for his edgy take on modern Germany and his Method-like commitment to his craft.

Translated from German (actually it's been translated into 42 languages including Hebrew) after selling over 2 million copies in Germany, it's told from Hitler's perspective. It's a unique challenge for author Timur Vermes to stay “true” to Hitler's voice then widen the lens and deliver comedic beats based on the larger context. But this isn't Colbert, and Hitler isn't in the same league as a right-wing blowhard, which makes for an uncomfortable frisson. Sill, Vermes is examining the single-minded charisma that propelled him to power while having fun as Hitler opines on weaponizing dogs, those damn cooking shows and Vikipedia. As a whole though, I think it plays better in Germany.