AboutWhat does the meme depict?
The 'Downfall' meme, also known as 'Hitler Finds Out…' or 'Hitler Reacts To…', features a series of parody-subtitled videos based on a climactic scene from the 2004 German WWII drama 'Der Untergang'. The original scene depicts Adolf Hitler, portrayed by Bruno Ganz, experiencing a furious meltdown upon learning that Germany's final counter-offensive against the Soviets has failed, signaling the imminent defeat of Germany. In the meme, this intense moment is humorously subtitled to show Hitler reacting to various contemporary events and trivial matters, transforming an otherwise grave scene into a source of comedic relief.
OriginWho did it first?
The meme originated from 'Der Untergang', a 2004 German war epic film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, which is based on the book 'Inside Hitler's Bunker'. The pivotal scene that has been widely parodied features Hitler, played by Bruno Ganz, receiving the devastating news of Germany's impending defeat in WWII, and subsequently breaking down in front of his generals. The scene became fodder for parodies when YouTuber Edilson66 uploaded a version of this scene with humorous edited Portuguese subtitles on April 4th, 2006. YouTube Link to the Original Video.[1]