The most memorable “My god, What have I done” in the moment in fiction

Fabian Sawatzki had the biggest “what have I done” moment in the German film Look Who's Back.

Spoilers, obviously.

The film plays with the idea that after Hitler shot him self in 1945 he somehow woke up in present day Germany. Confused, Hitler begins to walk around in full uniform looking for some clue as to where he is.

At the same time a moviemaker named Fabian Sawatzki has been producing a ducumentry, but it is poorly received by the broadcasting company he works for and he is kicked out. As he watches the footage later he sees Hitler in the background, and thinks the man is actually a superb comedic actor who he can use to salvage his career. Sawatzki eventually finds Hitler, and asks to accompany him around Germany and film the journey. Hitler agreed, recognising the value of modern technology which will help him pick up exactly where he left off.

So, the two travel together. Sawatzki filming Hitler thinking it’s a comedy and Hitler genuinely trying to form the Fouth Reich.

The filmmakers genuinely sent their Hitler character around Germany to interact with genuine citizens, which actually saw a lot of support. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with ‘Hitler’ even sparking a fight when a football fan insulted Germany.

Anyway, the film goes on like this for a long time. However Sawatzki eventually realises that Hitler is no actor, but genuinely Hitler. By this time Hitlers fame has far outgrew him though, it’s too late.

The film ends with Sawatzki presumed mentally ill and locked up in an asylum, no one believes that Hitler is the genuine one. He knows he’s brought newfound popularity to Hitler, people now stand with him, he has internet fame… all because he wanted to produce a comedy. Meanwhile Hitler looks upon modern day Germany and footage of protests begins to play, anti-immigration riots, the rise of the right wing, people angry with their governments.

Hitler says “I can work with this” and the film ends.

Look Who's Back (film) - Wikipedia

Definitely give this film a watch, it’s on Netflix. It’s an interesting dark commedy.