According to the film how does war empower petty, power-hunger men? Think about himmelstoss. How do the other characters cope with their forced subordination?

I'm not sure about the film, there are two versions that I know of. In the book war is like a game to the men in charge. Generals and politicians derive, as far as Paul is concerned, validation for how many men they can put to death in search of glory. This addiction to power filters down to petty corporals like Himmelstoss. In civilian life he is a postman. Put a uniform and some stars on him and he becomes “terror of Klosterberg". THe little power that he has goes straight to his head.