311′mc – Post 24 – Further Research and Development
So I have been looking into re-enactment groups this week, just seeing what it’s all about?, what they do?, why they do it? I have also been looking into other films which have used re-enactors in their piece.
I started off my looking at the re-enactors group “Der Windhund”.
Whats It All About? What Do They Do? Why Do They Do It?
It’s about a group of guys from all around the country who are part of an organisation, AFRA, these guys have German World War 2 Uniforms, weaponry, vehicles, eating utensils you name it they have it. They meet up at different events all over britain and occasionally they have events in different countries. At these events they are designated a slot of land in which they set up a perimeter and replicate a German camp. Once at the event all modern-day equipment, phones, Ipods all get switched off and each character gets into their role, whether its Panzergrenadier or Oberlutenant they get in to these roles and stick with it all week/weekend. Each event they portray a certain scene in history, so for example Mein Krieg, we portrayed the Falaise breakout, at an event they may all die, they may all live at another, it changes each time, this not only make sure that any followers of this specific group don’t have to watch the same acting each time, but also it ensure that the group as a whole get to partake in new storylines each time so this ensures diversity. At the events they wholeheartedly engage the public and discuss any subjects that come up, however painful, but rest assured they are always treated in a sensitive and caring manner. There are no ‘holocaust deniers’ or ‘political extremists’ in their group.
As a group they are very committed to historical accuracy which they carefully research and document and this is reflected in the period uniforms, equipment, vehicles and weapons that the group displays. They also research and learn the tactics and drill that the ’Landser’ would have known at that time to further improve their impression. They strive to maintain this high standard of authenticity to show as accurately as possible how the ordinary German Soldier of 1944-45 lived in the field and how he fought in the greatest conflict the world has ever known. They are committed to help keep this part of history alive in an effort to better educate themselves and the public at large about a part of history that is often overlooked or misinterpreted.
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Saving private Ryan used Re-enactors, come of which was out of Der Windhund itself, the part on Saving Private Ryan when the wall falls down and it exposes German soldiers, this part was played by re-enactors.
The film The Bridge also had re-enactors who played alongside the Americans, neither had speaking parts but played alongside actors who did. Film crew use re-enactors like Der Windhund because they know that re-enactment groups have authenticity officers who would make sure uniforms are correct and accurate, even little things like how to tie up the soldiers boots, these little things which everyday viewers would not know, but specialists would pick up on.
