Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Metropolis (1927)


Above are sketches I made inspired by screenshots of my favorite silent film, Metropolis. From German director Fritz Lang and originally released in 1927, it is not only landmark in film history, inspiring everyone from Ridley Scott, Madonna and (unfortunately) the Nazi Party, but is a truly entertaining film.

If you have not seen this film, it is highly recommended.

Many black and white and silent films seem inaccessible to most movie lovers today, but some can transcend time and feel just as relevant as they did when they first premiered.  You know when you watch a highly suspenseful foreign film, you can forget that you are reading subtitles? By the stunning climax, Metropolis will have you on the edge of your seat; you'll forget that you are reading title cards. The shrieks of Maria, the desperate battle cries of the angry mob, and the maniacal laughter of our dear friend Rotwang will all ring in your ears, by merely SEEING them. The film's story, as well as the story of its inception, filming, reception, and rediscovery are all fascinating as well!

These sketches were a fun study of poses and expressions, so I hope to do some more of these with some more of my favorite films. ^_^

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