METROPOLIS

Metropolis. I was really quite excited when Andy surprised us with 'Metropolis' being our film screening on Friday -not that I don't get excited about Russian cinema. I had heard so much about this film being a 'must-see' classic silent film. In most film-making books I have read there is usually always a mention to 'Metropolis', yet, I never got around to watching it. Needless to say I had high expectations of this highly pumped up German film.

I suspected that it may not be as good as I thought it would be when Andy made a subtle excuse for the acting standard before hand. Instead Andy noted the film's brilliant use of production design. I have to say I was well and truly impressed with the size and scale the film managed to achieve with it's fairly 'primitive' special effects arsenal. The set design and special effect were fantastic for the time it was made (and still very much worth it's praise even today). All in all the design and feel of the film was brilliant.

But as always there is always a 'However'. Production design, sets and cityscapes aside, I felt Metropolis was a bit of a disappointment. I recognise that the missing reels and scenes must take away from the story's rhythm, pace and quality but I couldn't find much enjoyment in the overall story itself. It had its moments I'll admit, the rescuing of the workers children from the flood was particularly thrilling for me, but I found myself hovering above the boredom line for quite a large part of the film. Who knows, perhaps the missing scenes, when inserted, will improve it for me.

The acting standard left much to be desired also. The actor who played the character of Joh Fredersen was (In my opinion) the best actor in the production. His (often subtle) display of emotions such as concern for his son and fear of the workers was a great relief from the extravagant and exaggerated ejaculations of the actor who played his son in the title role. Perhaps I'm being too hard on them though.

The music I thought was very powerful in conveying the emotions, pace and drama of the scenes. I also thought it had a rather modern feel to it. I was not, however, so keen on the slightly awkward take on the French national anthem that appeared towards the end of the picture.

All in all, I believe Metropolis to be a perfectly adequate film (for the sort of film it is) in much the same context as STAR WARS is today. Not exactly a Citizen Kane but an entertaining film none the less.

For myself, however, for all the glitz and glam of Metropolis' sets and design, I would much rather sit down and watch a film like 'Sunrise'.