AllMovie

In scientific circles, a "black box" is a closed system whose internal processes are a mystery. It is an unsolvable "x" in otherwise known processes, and stands for "what we don't understand." This documentary explores the thinking and psychology of the highly intelligent and immensely frustrating man, Dr. Jochen Girke, who became a high-ranking member of East Germany's feared secret police. After extensive and far-reaching discussions with the man, attempting to uncover what he did and why, the directors admit to him (and the viewer) that the psychology of this man is, for them, the ultimate "black box" mystery.