Narrative Framework

The narrative framework in this movie was quite interesting and sometimes a bit confusing to me. It might have been the extravagent use of props, and this magical feeling throughout the movie that knocked me of guard, but overall the use of one large flashback throughout the movie definitely provided the audience with an interesting perspective. It actually took me a while to realize that the Baron von Münchhausen was the same guy throughout the entire movie, but when I finally did put the pieces of the puzzle together I was fascinated by the story telling and the way in which the events were exaggerated for the pleasure of the audience. Of course there were numerous times throughout the movie when I questiond the validity of what the Barron presented to us, but I found it really interesting as the end of the movie came and the two individuals who were listening to the story did not question the Barron at all. Instead, it seemed as if they took it completely to heart which I thought was an interesting knudge to the Nazi idea of "not questioning" that which is presented to you. In Renstchler's book it was stated that this movie was made during a time when things were really not looking good in Germany with regards to the war and Münchhausen was a way for the audience to have a laugh and avoid thinking about the realities that awaited them outside the movie theater.

I also wondered, as a side note, how the movie casted as many African-Americans as they did. Gaby and I were both suprised to see that there were some in the movie and we were confused as to how they were even allowed into the film industry at the time.

Overall, Münchhausen, made me laugh and I really enjoyed the movie because it kept me entertained and I wanted to know what happened next. The end of the movie when the Barron decided to become "mortal" again was the most emotional part of the movie - but of course, it ends with the Barron blowing out the candles that the butler held. I truly enjoyed this mid 20th century mixture of Alice in Wonderland and Monty Python and even though I questioned the narrative, I think the main idea behind the narrative was to provide entertainment and a distraction from the reality that was occuring outside of the movie.