Joel Gray as the master of ceremonies

Doghouse-6 says > These are all microcosmic representations of the larger societal contrast serving as the central backdrop to all the stories: that of the obliviousness of the waning Weimar Republic to the growing threat of the Nazis, visually and thematically depicted in the carefree atmosphere within the Kit Kat Club, with its satirization of what's happening just outside its doors and encapsulated in the MC's opening monologue - "Life is disappointing? Forget it! In here, life is beautiful" - which is bookended by Sally's closing rendition of the title song.

I agree with your assessment. I saw things somewhat similarly. That's what made me enjoy watching the movie - the way the story was told. However, I think I read more into what was going on than perhaps you did.

The contrasts were used to make a point. For instance, the contrast between what was going on in the club and what was taking place in the country at the time reveals a lot about how the Nazis were able to grow in strength and power. It also reveals how their atrocities could take place right under the noses of the German people and how they were able, in many cases, to assure their willing and eager participation.

1. The club performers and patrons couldn't care less what was going on. The club was an escape from reality. They could be and do whatever they wanted. They even poked fun at what was happening because they felt isolated and sheltered from it. The closing shot was poignant. Through the haze of the glass we see a lot of unfocused faces but can clearly see the swastika on the uniform of a Nazi. All the singing, dancing, and gaiety could not protect or keep them away from reality; it had found its way inside. There are always segments of the population that focus on their own shallow pursuits; laughing and singing while their country falls apart.

2. People like Maximilian, the rich and privileged, who had money and power largely ignored the growing Nazi threat. They didn't take them seriously. In fact, their attitude was the Nazis were a mere nuisance but could be useful. They'd deal with the Communist then they could easily be swatted away like flies. When that group finally started taking notice, the Nazi movement had spread widely and had become very powerful. The Maximilian types made a quick exit out of the country; fleeing to Argentina and other points in South America.

3. The boarders were quick to accept the propaganda. They were being fed a steady diet of lies about what the Jews had done and planned to do. They were told the Jews held all the power and would use it to fulfill their evil intentions. These types, probably because they lacked education, sophistication, and resources, questioned nothing and assumed what they were hearing must be truthful. It was, after all, coming from different media sources; the same newspapers and radio programs they trusted and from which they had always gotten their news.

4. Also, the attitudes of the club did not reside only in the club. The people who were part of the club took their decadence with them. Much like the Nazis they were behaving in ways that were degrading and destroying society. Sally Bowles for one saw nothing wrong with destroying life in order to achieve her purposes. The Jews and other undesirables, even those that were German, were considered an obstacle. The got in the way of the Nazis world view so without any second thought or remorse, they were exterminated; Sally's ambition caused her to do the same to her own child. Describing it as a 'whim' showed the callousness by which it was done. She was willing to part with her beloved fur coat just as the Nazis were able to sell their very souls.

And that's just one aspect of the movie.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

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