Director Lars von Trier says, ‘I’m a Nazi’

A shocking statement from director Lars von Trier at the Cannes Film Festival that he’s a Nazi has scandalized Hollywood. Will his provocative declaration get him blacklisted?

Director Lars von Trier sent shockwaves through the Cannes Film Festival today when he announced, “I’m a Nazi.”

The filmmaker is in Cannes to promote his new movie, Melancholia, which stars Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

During a press conference for the film, von Trier told reporters, “I thought I was a Jew for a long time. I was very happy being a Jew.” He continued, “I really wanted to be a Jew and then I found out I was really a Nazi, because my family was German. Which also gave me some pleasure.”

He went on to state that he felt sympathy for Hitler. “What can I say? I understand Hitler,” he claimed. “I think he did some wrong things, yes, absolutely… but I understand much about him and I sympathize with him a little bit.”

At this point, E! News reports, a “visibly uncomfortable” Dunst, who was also fielding questions at the media event, touched von Trier, as if attempting to quiet him.

Instead, von Trier concluded, “OK. I’m a Nazi.”