From George Lucas to the many dystopian pictures that littered the genre, they all can trace some sort of influence to the Fritz Lang production. Speaking of Mr. Lang, well what's there to be said about the man? Plenty! Born Friedrich Christian Anton Lang in Vienna, Austria on December 5th, 1890, "Fritz" as he became known by, was a director, producer, and actor.
 |
| Fritz Lang along with his wife Thea Von Harbou. |
Fritz started his work as a director at UFA Studios with the film "Halbblut" during the Weimar era. What was the Weimar era? The Weimar era was a time where the arts pretty much exploded into creative forces of imagination and exploration. Named after the Weimar Republic, which was the name of the Democratic Parliament that set up shop after the Imperial Government was disbanded. Set in the years following Germany's defeat in World War I in 1918 and up till Hitler became Germany's leader in 1933. With Hitler's ascension, many of the artist, filmmakers, and what have you, fled Germany, either to the Untied States of America or other parts of Europe, namely the Untied Kingdom. Thus killing the golden age of the Weimar Era.
 |
| Coat of Arms of the Weimar Republic. |
This leads us back to Fritz Lang who also left Germany during the Weimar decline. But not before making one of the greatest movies: "Metropolis." Show any still scene to anybody and no doubt they'll be familiar with the scene, saying something along the lines of, "oh yeah I know that picture. It's from that old sci-fi movie."
They may not know the movie's name or plot by heart but its images are burned into their sub conscience. Now on to the movie. It covers a broad range of subjects from class warfare, rebellion, peaceful resistance, technology, and compassion or mercy. It starts with a spectacular opening title screen that even rivals (perhaps surpass) movies of today. Amazing skyscrapers fill the skyline but soon that feeling of wonder is replaced with depressed misary, showing low level workers performing grueling tasks. We are then introduced to Freder, Played by Gustov Frohlich. He is in a beautiful garden surrounded by beautiful woman who all strive for his affection. During a strange encounter, he sees a woman named Maria, played by Brigette Helm. She brings along children from the lower part of the city to the garden, Freder is taken by her. However, she is given the bum's rush by the higher class citizens. Freder follows her into the inner workings of the city. He is horrified on what he sees, as a mechanical monster eats people alive. Freder tells his father about the incident and he's (the father) is lessed than amused. Freder starts to ponder that the workers could rebel against the higher class. Freder's fears are realized by a forman who tells the father about such plans against them. These series of events lead to Freder to change places with a city worker and that leads him to a secret meeting held by Maria. There she preaches love, patience, and tells of a coming mediator. The crowd grows tiresome and vow to only wait a while longer. Freder soon takes the place of the mediator. But Freder's father, along with a mad scientist kidnaps Maria and clone her into a machine/robot in an attempt to corrupt the workers into violence. This sudden surge leads to a full blown revolt, which ends up being a horrible mistake as the underground starts to flood. But to be sure there is a wonderful ending with respect and understanding, and more importantly compassion. Of course I left plenty out of this review but I would not be able to do the film justice just writing about it. It has to be seen to get the full effect. And plus, I didn't want to spoil everything that goes on the film. This film is certainly worth checking out. You'll be a better person for it.
Note: All images used belong to their respected copyright holders. Images used here are part of Fair Use and for educational purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment