Metropolis (1927)
Nein out of Ten.
Presentation:
The German silent film is iconic for its dystopian large scale set pieces that make this feel more like a theatrical play, which would go on to inspire future films like The Wizard of Oz and Chaplin. Although there’s no dialogue with text cards instead, the film doesn’t feel silent, immediately grabbing you with its striking soundtrack. The cinematography is truly grand compared to the creepier silent horrors like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, with towering expansive cityscapes and art deco design embodying the best of German expressionism. The blur and vignette also make the visuals stand out for a more abstract presentation would likely go on and influence the entire sci-fi genre decades down the line.
Conclusion:
Although the presentation is legendary, I still found myself as enthralled as watching a high production ballet. It’s something you will undoubtedly appreciate and you won’t deny its greatness, but ballet simply isn’t for everyone. I personally didn’t connect with the characters from the beginning because of its necessary over-acting for a silent medium. An impressionable spectacle, but this is a film that modern audiences would love the idea of more than the story itself.
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