Thank Fucking God: The DOWNFALL Meme may be near death

Categories: Film and TV, Tech

angryhitler.jpg
A totally made-up, mostly internet-fueled holiday like 4/20 can only mean one thing: Hitler's gonna be mad. But before you upload your "Hitler finds out Himmler got stoned and let all Jews go free" Downfall mashup, consider this: Constantin Films, the German production company behind the Oscar-nominated film about Hitler's last days, has begun aggressively trying to clear the parody videos off YouTube.

Techcrunch noted yesterday that less than 24 hours after a user uploaded Hitler's take on the lost iPhone 4G debacle, the video was removed with the message, "This video contains content from Constantin Film, who has blocked it on copyright grounds." And in fact, in an interview with the BBC last week, Constantin exec Martin Moszkowicz acknowledged that his company is calling foul on as many Downfall spoofs as they can. Noting that his company is "trying to protect the artists" who made the movie, Moskowicz admitted that they can't move as fast as the meme. "It is a task that can never be completed. They are popping up whenever we are taking one down."

We're all for net neutrality and freedom of expression and fair use and all that shit, but this is one case where we hope the big corporation succeeds in cockblocking the culture jam. Even Hitler thinks Hitler parodies are played out. Let's gong this meme once and for all.



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