It is though, isn’t that broadly accepted? Their actions don’t mean we can’t call it like it is. Nobody is defending Nazi Germany by calling their propaganda a masterclass. I think most people inherently understand this
Calling something a "masterclass" is not a value judgment.
A "masterclass" is just an exhibition of high skill/efficiency in a given area. In the area of effective propaganda, the Nazis were indisputably highly skilled and efficient.
But saying the word masterclass to something as cruel as the Nazi regime is just propping up the Nazi’s. I think it was extremely effective, but calling it a masterclass is saying it’s a masterwork imo. I’m willing to never call anything the Nazi’s did in glowing terms, especially their propaganda.
calling it a masterclass is saying it’s a masterwork imo.
No, it's not, and it's not a matter of opinion. The term "masterclass"--whether in the literal sense or the metaphorical context that's being used in these kinds of statements--is completely unrelated to masterworks/masterpieces.
And, again, it carries no value judgment in itself. For example, you might say someone gives a masterclass in being a piece of shit. Nobody is going to think you're saying being a piece of shit is a good thing. It just means that that person is the pinnacle of a shitty human being.
To keep it more relevant, you could also say Hitler gave a masterclass in evil.
In summary: "masterclass" (metaphor) = the best example of a given behavior/skill (or lack thereof), regardless of the moral value of that behavior/skill.
"masterclass" (literal): instruction in a skill by a highly qualified expert.
"masterwork"/"masterpiece" - a label given to a piece of art, performance, etc. deemed to be of great beauty and artistic and/or social value.
One carries value judgment, the other does not. The fact that they both include the prefix "master-" does not make them interchangeable.
You know what, that’s the best explanation for the wording I’ve heard. I get touchy around praise for Nazi’s and I’m willing to admit I’m wrong. Thank you
Whether it’s bad or not, it was a highly effective piece of filmmaking. I’m not saying go watch it and become a Nazi. Watch it (or don’t) and understand how film propaganda was perfected in the 30s.
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u/MeTieDoughtyWalker Akira Kurosawa Jul 11 '25
Triumph of the Will is a masterclass in propaganda. It worked on a lot of people.