Amazon's series faced backlash for Nazi symbolism but took steps to responsibly handle sensitive content.
Category: Arts & Culture
The Amazon Prime series The Man in the High Castle has sparked discussions about the use of controversial imagery, particularly swastikas, throughout its production, which concluded with its fourth season in March 2019. As seen in a trending post on r/television, the show’s crew took extensive measures to destroy all props featuring these symbols after filming, raising questions about the portrayal of such imagery in entertainment.
Set in an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II, the series depicts a deeply unsettling version of America divided between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The attention to detail in creating this environment was evident in every aspect of production, from costumes to set designs. Rufus Sewell, who played John Smith, an American Nazi official, remarked that the cast became desensitized to the presence of swastikas, stating, "we didn't even see them. We didn't even realize our linoleum floor was a swastika for an entire season," according to SYFY WIRE.
For many involved in the production, the normalization of such symbols became a troubling aspect of their work. Chelah Horsdal, who portrayed Helen Smith, noted that the swastika "lost its power" during filming, illustrating how repeated exposure can dull the emotional impact of such potent symbols. Joel de la Fuente, who played Kempeitai Chief Inspector Takeshi Kido, recounted an encounter during an outdoor shoot at the University of British Columbia, where an older Asian-Canadian individual visibly reacted to the Imperial Japanese flag, highlighting the real-world implications of the show's visual choices.
The production faced considerable challenges when it came to depicting Nazi imagery in public spaces. Filming locations included Point Grey Secondary School in Vancouver, where swastika banners were digitally added for the show but not physically displayed. The production team worked diligently to avoid distressing the public, ensuring that offensive symbols were covered up or digitally altered during shoots. Jonathan Lancaster, a set decorator, explained that the crew had to be “very, very diligent in [their] efforts” to protect the public from exposure to these symbols.
In 2017, scenes featuring Nazi soldiers were filmed on downtown Georgia Street in Vancouver, where the production dressed the area with vintage cars and period signage. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver praised the production for its respectful handling of sensitive imagery and consultation before filming. Nico Slobinsky, representing the federation, commended the production team's efforts to communicate their plans and avoid causing distress.
As the series progressed, the production team took additional steps to address the concerns surrounding the use of Nazi and Japanese symbols. Actress Chelah Horsdal shared a video on Twitter showing the destruction of props featuring swastikas, stating, "Super satisfying… Reminder that High Castle proudly destroyed all the swastikas that were produced for the show." This process included cutting leather props with swastikas into miniature pieces, which were then disposed of in designated “Burn Pile” bins.
The decision to destroy all offensive symbols from the show reflects a broader awareness of the implications of using such imagery in media. Isa Dick Hackett, the executive producer, emphasized the importance of thoughtful world-building and sensitivity in incorporating these symbols into the narrative. She stated that the production team took the responsibility seriously, creating a locked closet for props featuring swastikas from the beginning of filming.
As the series wraps up, the legacy of The Man in the High Castle raises questions about how media portrays historical atrocities and the responsibility creators have in handling such sensitive material. The destruction of props is a step toward acknowledging the impact these symbols can have, particularly in a society where they continue to resonate deeply.
Looking ahead, the conversation surrounding the portrayal of controversial imagery in media remains relevant. As society grapples with the resurgence of hate symbols and ideologies, the lessons learned from the production of The Man in the High Castle may serve as a guide for future projects. The careful balance between artistic expression and social responsibility will continue to be a pressing concern for creators and audiences alike.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not represent independently verified reporting.