Listen now | Today’s episode is Metropolis directed by Fritz Lang. Neither of us had ever seen this film before, and we went in a little bit nervous. A two and a half hour silent film from 1927? We assumed it would be significant in the context of its time, but pretty unwatchable by today’s standards. And oh boy, were we wrong.
For a long time, Metropolis was the only work of Lang's that I knew. I love it, but I recently watched "M" for the first time and was absolutely blown away. Aside from the fascinating historical context, the visuals (especially at the climax) are wonderful. But the true revelation for me was Peter Lorre's performance in his final monologue. It's so powerful and fascinating. It puts you uncomfortably into the psyche of the villain in an almost intimate way. Highly recommend, even if it isn't an ideal choice for the movie club. People should watch this movie 👍
Not central to the movie review, but I felt I needed to chime in about the comment about Luddites.
The Luddites were not against the introduction of new technology, they were against how the technology was used. Instead of the machines being used to better their position in life, it was used by factory owners to displace them (often in illegal ways) and drive down their wages. In short, it was a complain that the benefits of the automation were very unequally distributed, and never in favor of those least able to adapt.
First time I watch Metropolis too! Unbelievable set design and shot composition, mind-blowing for the era.
If you're interested, there's Napoleon by Abel Gance that was ahead of its time too and Jean Cocteau in France who was experimenting with surrealism in the 30s. I haven't seen a lot of movies from that era but I know there are some other experimental films.
You talked a little bit about David Lynch, he definitely takes some inspiration from the visual language of the best silent era cinema, that helps for creating expressive visuals. He made a commercial that is a remake of a scene from Sunrise by Murnau.
Some of what he does is hit or miss for me, but he is really good with visuals and in my opinion even better with sound, which is kind of amazing. He did a short with the original camera of the Lumière brothers, if you haven't seen it I recommend! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWmep4pSzg
Coppola is good too with this kind of shot design inspired by silent films, as an example I really like what he did with Dracula. It may be over the top, but I like the playfulness.
For a long time, Metropolis was the only work of Lang's that I knew. I love it, but I recently watched "M" for the first time and was absolutely blown away. Aside from the fascinating historical context, the visuals (especially at the climax) are wonderful. But the true revelation for me was Peter Lorre's performance in his final monologue. It's so powerful and fascinating. It puts you uncomfortably into the psyche of the villain in an almost intimate way. Highly recommend, even if it isn't an ideal choice for the movie club. People should watch this movie 👍
Not central to the movie review, but I felt I needed to chime in about the comment about Luddites.
The Luddites were not against the introduction of new technology, they were against how the technology was used. Instead of the machines being used to better their position in life, it was used by factory owners to displace them (often in illegal ways) and drive down their wages. In short, it was a complain that the benefits of the automation were very unequally distributed, and never in favor of those least able to adapt.
First time I watch Metropolis too! Unbelievable set design and shot composition, mind-blowing for the era.
If you're interested, there's Napoleon by Abel Gance that was ahead of its time too and Jean Cocteau in France who was experimenting with surrealism in the 30s. I haven't seen a lot of movies from that era but I know there are some other experimental films.
You talked a little bit about David Lynch, he definitely takes some inspiration from the visual language of the best silent era cinema, that helps for creating expressive visuals. He made a commercial that is a remake of a scene from Sunrise by Murnau.
https://youtu.be/RoCYbQBTmlY?si=xipOfe7YWhqRvWJl&t=402
https://youtu.be/0KPgx5GIKhs?si=rxnUUUU1aoPKBj5V&t=116
Some of what he does is hit or miss for me, but he is really good with visuals and in my opinion even better with sound, which is kind of amazing. He did a short with the original camera of the Lumière brothers, if you haven't seen it I recommend! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWmep4pSzg
Coppola is good too with this kind of shot design inspired by silent films, as an example I really like what he did with Dracula. It may be over the top, but I like the playfulness.