Meaning: Leni Riefenstahl, a German film director, actress, and dancer, made significant contributions to the film industry during the 20th century. The quote, "I am fascinated by what is beautiful, strong, healthy, what is living. I seek harmony," provides insight into Riefenstahl's artistic philosophy and the themes that often permeated her work.

Riefenstahl's career began in the 1920s as a dancer and actress, but she is best known for her work as a filmmaker. She gained notoriety for her innovative techniques and visually striking films. However, her association with the Nazi regime has been the subject of much controversy and ethical debate.

In understanding the quote, it's important to consider the context in which Riefenstahl made this statement. Her fascination with beauty, strength, health, and life reflects an aesthetic and artistic sensibility that is evident in her films. Riefenstahl's quest for harmony can be seen in her meticulous attention to visual composition and the portrayal of physical prowess and natural landscapes in her work.

One of Riefenstahl's most famous films is "Olympia," a documentary about the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin. In "Olympia," she sought to capture the beauty and strength of the human body in motion, showcasing the athletes' physical prowess and grace. Her use of groundbreaking filming techniques, such as slow motion and underwater photography, contributed to the film's enduring impact on the documentary genre.

Riefenstahl's interest in beauty and strength is also evident in her film "Triumph of the Will," a propaganda piece commissioned by the Nazi party. While the film's subject matter and its association with the Nazi regime have generated significant controversy, it is undeniable that Riefenstahl's visual storytelling and technical innovation were groundbreaking.

The quote also sheds light on Riefenstahl's approach to capturing life and vitality on screen. Throughout her career, she was drawn to subjects that embodied a sense of vitality and dynamism, whether it was the athletes in "Olympia" or the grand spectacles of the Nazi party rallies in "Triumph of the Will." Her preference for portraying living subjects in their most vibrant form speaks to her desire to imbue her work with a sense of energy and vitality.

At the same time, Riefenstahl's pursuit of harmony suggests a desire to create a sense of balance and coherence in her films. This is evident in her meticulous attention to visual aesthetics and her ability to create striking compositions that evoke a sense of order and beauty. Whether capturing the symmetry of human forms in motion or the grandeur of natural landscapes, Riefenstahl sought to create a visual harmony that resonated with audiences.

It's important to acknowledge that while Riefenstahl's artistic vision and technical prowess were widely acclaimed, her association with the Nazi regime remains a deeply troubling aspect of her legacy. The use of her films as propaganda tools for the Nazi party raises complex ethical questions about the intersection of art, politics, and morality.

In conclusion, Leni Riefenstahl's quote encapsulates her artistic preoccupations and provides insight into the themes that permeated her work. Her fascination with beauty, strength, health, and life, as well as her quest for harmony, underpinned her innovative approach to filmmaking. While her films continue to be the subject of ethical debate, there is no denying the impact of her artistic vision and technical innovation on the history of cinema.