【Original Film】Metropolis (1927) - Fritz Lang
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10 ماه پیش
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Metropolis (1927) by Fritz Lang,
Metropolis (1927) by Fritz Lang, a German expressionist science fiction film with a screenplay by Thea von Harbou (Lang’s 2nd wife), is a cinematic landmark noted for its pioneering special effects and its profound influence on the science fiction genre. The journey began with Thea von Harbou's 1925 novel of the same name.
What makes this film relatable today is its striking reflection of the struggles in Metropolis - Overworked and mistreated workers, fueled by economic hardships, are pushed towards rebellion, only to end up unintentionally breaking the system that once sustained them.
Story
In a dystopian future, the city of Metropolis is divided into two distinct classes: the wealthy and powerful who live on the surface, and the working class who toil underground to keep the city running. The film follows the story of Freder, the son of the city's master, who falls in love with Maria, a working-class woman who preaches against the divide between the two classes. Freder and Maria work together to try to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, but they face opposition from Freder's father and other members of the elite.
Significance in Film
1. Masterpiece of German expressionism - Known for its use of stylized visuals and exaggerated acting to create a sense of emotional intensity. The film's dark and atmospheric visuals perfectly capture the mood of the story.
2. Influence on the science fiction genre - One of the most influential films in the development of the science fiction genre. The film's themes of class conflict, technology, and the future have been echoed in countless other sci-fi films, including the Star Wars franchise, Blade Runner (1982), and The Matrix (1999).
3. Pioneering Use of Miniatures - "Metropolis" pushed the boundaries of special effects by employing intricate miniature sets to depict the grandiose cityscape. This technique created a visually compelling and realistic futuristic urban environment, setting a benchmark for future filmmakers.
4. Innovative Set Design and Scale - The mix of functionalist modernism and Art Deco in architecture made a huge impact, greatly popularizing this style in both Europe and America. They built grand sets that highlighted the clear difference between the luxurious upper world and the harsh, gritty lower society. This unique look depicting a bleak future with tall skyscrapers and mechanical landscapes set the stage for the science fiction genre, influencing how futuristic films would be visually presented for many years.
5. Biblical Influences - The story cleverly draws from the Bible, integrating key set pieces that resonate with symbolism. One notable instance is during Maria's address to the workers, where she references the Tower of Babel, skillfully highlighting the disconnect between the intellectual elite and the laboring class.
6. Innovative Camera Techniques - The film incorporated new camera techniques, including tracking shots and layering of images to give a sense of depth and complexity. An example is the Molach scene, which used a clever mix of camera angles, forced perspective, and physical tricks called the Schüfftan process . This enhanced the visual storytelling and added to the overall immersive experience of the film.
7. Creative Lighting and Shadows - The film utilized dramatic lighting and shadows to accentuate the characters' and scenes' emotional and psychological dimensions. This masterful use of chiaroscuro lighting added depth and intensity, influencing future filmmakers in crafting atmospheres and moods through lighting.
8. Robotic Special Effects and Costuming - One of the most iconic elements is depicting the humanoid robot, Maschinenmensch (Machine-Human), also known as Parody, Maria, and Hel. Created by sculptor Walter Schulze-Mittendorff, the costume was made from ‘plastic wood’ (a pliable substance designed as wood filler). Stop-motion animation was used to simulate movement. Double exposure and multiple cameras were used to create the illusion of seamless interactions between the robot, human characters, and the environment.
9. Exploration of social and political issues - Captivating its profound examination of societal and political concerns. It critiques the class divide and cautions against the perils of advancing technology, remaining pertinent in modern times. Going beyond its technical feats, the movie serves as a commentary on the socio-economic disparities of the industrial era, highlighting the film's potential to convey vital societal messages through imaginative storytelling.
Credits
Genre: Silent Film, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
Directed by Fritz Lang
Produced by Erich Pommer
Cinematography by Karl Freund, Günther Rittau, and Walter Ruttmann
Starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich
Follow us for more updates @westecmediainternational on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and 小红书.
#FritzLang #SilentFilm #SpecialEffects #SchüfftanProcess
What makes this film relatable today is its striking reflection of the struggles in Metropolis - Overworked and mistreated workers, fueled by economic hardships, are pushed towards rebellion, only to end up unintentionally breaking the system that once sustained them.
Story
In a dystopian future, the city of Metropolis is divided into two distinct classes: the wealthy and powerful who live on the surface, and the working class who toil underground to keep the city running. The film follows the story of Freder, the son of the city's master, who falls in love with Maria, a working-class woman who preaches against the divide between the two classes. Freder and Maria work together to try to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, but they face opposition from Freder's father and other members of the elite.
Significance in Film
1. Masterpiece of German expressionism - Known for its use of stylized visuals and exaggerated acting to create a sense of emotional intensity. The film's dark and atmospheric visuals perfectly capture the mood of the story.
2. Influence on the science fiction genre - One of the most influential films in the development of the science fiction genre. The film's themes of class conflict, technology, and the future have been echoed in countless other sci-fi films, including the Star Wars franchise, Blade Runner (1982), and The Matrix (1999).
3. Pioneering Use of Miniatures - "Metropolis" pushed the boundaries of special effects by employing intricate miniature sets to depict the grandiose cityscape. This technique created a visually compelling and realistic futuristic urban environment, setting a benchmark for future filmmakers.
4. Innovative Set Design and Scale - The mix of functionalist modernism and Art Deco in architecture made a huge impact, greatly popularizing this style in both Europe and America. They built grand sets that highlighted the clear difference between the luxurious upper world and the harsh, gritty lower society. This unique look depicting a bleak future with tall skyscrapers and mechanical landscapes set the stage for the science fiction genre, influencing how futuristic films would be visually presented for many years.
5. Biblical Influences - The story cleverly draws from the Bible, integrating key set pieces that resonate with symbolism. One notable instance is during Maria's address to the workers, where she references the Tower of Babel, skillfully highlighting the disconnect between the intellectual elite and the laboring class.
6. Innovative Camera Techniques - The film incorporated new camera techniques, including tracking shots and layering of images to give a sense of depth and complexity. An example is the Molach scene, which used a clever mix of camera angles, forced perspective, and physical tricks called the Schüfftan process . This enhanced the visual storytelling and added to the overall immersive experience of the film.
7. Creative Lighting and Shadows - The film utilized dramatic lighting and shadows to accentuate the characters' and scenes' emotional and psychological dimensions. This masterful use of chiaroscuro lighting added depth and intensity, influencing future filmmakers in crafting atmospheres and moods through lighting.
8. Robotic Special Effects and Costuming - One of the most iconic elements is depicting the humanoid robot, Maschinenmensch (Machine-Human), also known as Parody, Maria, and Hel. Created by sculptor Walter Schulze-Mittendorff, the costume was made from ‘plastic wood’ (a pliable substance designed as wood filler). Stop-motion animation was used to simulate movement. Double exposure and multiple cameras were used to create the illusion of seamless interactions between the robot, human characters, and the environment.
9. Exploration of social and political issues - Captivating its profound examination of societal and political concerns. It critiques the class divide and cautions against the perils of advancing technology, remaining pertinent in modern times. Going beyond its technical feats, the movie serves as a commentary on the socio-economic disparities of the industrial era, highlighting the film's potential to convey vital societal messages through imaginative storytelling.
Credits
Genre: Silent Film, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
Directed by Fritz Lang
Produced by Erich Pommer
Cinematography by Karl Freund, Günther Rittau, and Walter Ruttmann
Starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich
Follow us for more updates @westecmediainternational on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and 小红书.
#FritzLang #SilentFilm #SpecialEffects #SchüfftanProcess
10 ماه پیش
در تاریخ 1402/07/19 منتشر شده
است.
159
بـار بازدید شده