A documentary exploring the personal lives and relationships of 20th century dictators and revolutionaries through their personal correspondence and photographs
Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases
The Architects of Power
Introduction to the historical figures who shaped the 20th century through authoritarian rule and revolutionary movements.
Key Events
Documentary Introduction — Introduction of historical figures through archival materials Characters: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Mao Zedong, Francisco Franco, Paul von Hindenburg, Eva BraunLocation: Archival Footage
Rise of Hitler — Hitler's rise to power in Germany Characters: Adolf Hitler, Paul von Hindenburg, Eva BraunLocation: Germany
Stalin's Purges — Stalin's violent consolidation of power Characters: Joseph Stalin, Leon TrotskyLocation: Soviet Union
Paths to Dictatorship
Examination of how these leaders rose to power and established their regimes through various means.
Key Events
Fascist Alliance — Formation of fascist alliance in Europe Characters: Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Francisco FrancoLocation: Europe
Russian Revolution — Events leading to Russian Revolution Characters: Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Joseph StalinLocation: Russia
Mao's Rise — Mao Zedong's rise to power in China Characters: Mao Zedong, Joseph StalinLocation: China
Legacies of Tyranny
Reflection on the lasting impact of these leaders and their actions on world history.
Key Events
Trotsky's Assassination — Trotsky's assassination by Stalin's agents Characters: Leon Trotsky, Joseph StalinLocation: Mexico
WWII Aftermath — Aftermath of World War II Characters: Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Francisco FrancoLocation: Europe
Documentary Reflection — Personal reflections on historical figures Characters: All historical figuresLocation: Archival Footage
Conclusion — Final thoughts on historical impact Characters: All historical figuresLocation: Documentary Studio
Story Breakdown
Historical Context — Setting the stage for understanding these figures
Rise of Totalitarianism — How authoritarian regimes emerged in the early 20th century
World War II Impact — The global consequences of these leaders' actions
Personal Lives — Intimate glimpses into the private worlds of these public figures
Hitler and Braun — The personal relationship of Nazi leader and his mistress
Stalin's Private World — Insights into Stalin's personal relationships and habits
Political Relationships — The alliances and conflicts that shaped world history
Fascist Alliance — The partnership between Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco
Communist Rivalry — The power struggle between Stalin and Trotsky
Historical Legacy — The lasting impact of these figures on modern history
Lessons Learned — What history teaches us about authoritarianism
Personal Reflections — Humanizing these figures through personal correspondence
Human Remains is a haunting documentary which illustrates the banality of evil by creating intimate portraits of five of the 20th century's most reviled dictators. The film unveils the personal lives of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Francisco Franco and Mao Tse Tung. We learn the private and mundane details of their everyday lives -- their favorite foods, films, habits and sexual preferences. There is no mention of their public lives or of their place in history. The intentional omission of the horrors for which these men were responsible hovers over the film.
