Spotlight: The Night Porter (1974), the cabaret song
On IFC (the Independent Film Channel) there is a series of documentaries called "Indie Sex". Each installment examines the use of sex in films and how it impacts society. In the installment "Indie Sex: Extremes", there is a film that is briefly mentioned when discussing fetishes.
The film is The Night Porter, and the scene that was shown (well, about ten seconds of it shown) was when Charlotte Rampling (Lucia) performs the Marlene Dietrich song "Wenn mir was wunschen durfte" in only pinstripe trousers, suspenders, long black leather gloves, and a Nazi SS hat. She performs specifically for an SS officer (Dirk Bogarde) with whom she develops a sadomasochistic relationship. The real kicker that left a bad taste in a lot of mouths is the fact that this "extreme" relationship takes place not only during the Holocaust, but right in the midst of a concentration camp.
Now, I won't go into some psychoanalysis of why a fetish for Naiz and Nazi-esque fashion even exists, mainly because I'm not qualified for anything like that, but I will say that the song is marvelously performed and the sequence expertly directed. Ms. Rampling is nothing short of masterful. She exudes sensuality and sexuality, but isn't perverse or vulgar. The tiniest tilt of her head or the sweep of her arms is captivating. She is so comfortable in her own skin, especially when surrounded by so many others (many of whom are in Nazi uniforms as well), and it clearly shows in her performance here.
I don't have a copy of the full movie, but I hope to remedy that very soon. Once I watch the whole thing I'll make a full review about the film itself, but for now I want to share the piece that really stands out to me.
Do be cautioned: the video contains frontal female nudity as well as questionable content (read: Nazis), so if either makes you uncomfrotable, don't watch it. The film itself is explicit in sexual content and nudity, along with general content (Holocaust). DEFINITELY NSFW!
Click to view