Metropolis: Reconstructed and Restored
© 2010 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau Foundation, Wiesbaden
Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent masterpiece, Metropolis, is a stunning dystopian vision of the future, exploring the crisis of capitalism: the inherent and unfair difference between workers and owners. In a futuristic mega-city, managers live in skyscrapers, while workers live underground. The upper class lives in luxury, while the lower class barely lives.
The film was the most expensive silent film ever made, but after its German premiere the film was substantially cut, to make it more palatable for conservative audiences. Over the following decades, much more footage of the film was lost. The reconstrucred and restored edition of Metropolis is almost 30 minutes longer than any other version of the film. Much of the original print was in poor condition, but after painstaking restoration, now modern audiences can see the film as Mr Lang originally intended.
© 2010 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau Foundation, Wiesbaden
This DVD edition also includes special features, a short documentary about the film and the restoration of new (old?) footage, and commentary from Dr Wendy Haslem and Dr Angela Ndalianis, from the University of Melbourne in Australia.
The influence of Metropolis on modern science fiction cinema cannot be underestimated. Inspiration for epic franchises such as The Matrix trilogy and Star Wars, and with an obvious effect on the aesthetics in cult-classic Blade Runner, Metropolis is a must-see for any fan of science fiction (or even just cinema, more generally).
Released in Australia 15/06/11
The Yes Men Fix The World
The Yes Men Fix The World is an educational and entertaining look at how the corporate world is structured around capitalism – and how the little people can shake up the status quo with nothing but their rapier wit and ridiculous optimism.
The premise is simple. Simply outrageous. Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno pose as senior officials of major moneymakers, hold press conferences and say the right thing. Not the right thing that is going to sell shares; the morally right thing. They speak for the animals, the environment and the trodden-upon employees. They apologise. They promise that things will change. The outrageous element is the people that believe them, and the consequences of their actions.
It’s impossible to consider The Yes Men Fix The World without comparing it to Sacha Baron Cohen’s work– another satirist pretending to be something he’s not. Whether exposing racism and ignorance as Borat, or homophobia and unawareness as Bruno, Baron Cohen has made a name for himself acting as other people. But where Baron Cohen’s victims are people with little to no power– travellers he meets along the way, rednecks at rodeos– the Yes Men have brought their attack to big business. CEOs and corporate leaders are rather more frightening prey, but Bichlbaum and Bonanno never waver.
The Yes Men make brilliant political satire– Michael Moore could learn a thing or two.
Released in Australia 06/07/11
Martin Scorsese’s Short Films
Martin Scorsese is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of his generation. Ever since people have been saying that Scorsese should have won an Oscar for Raging Bull (1980), right up until he finally did win one for The Departed in 2007 and continuing on as audiences were confused by Shutter Island (2010), the American director has been captivating audiences with his blend of dark humour and violence– both physical and emotional.
Scorsese’s first feature film, the black and white Who’s That Knocking at My Door (1967), featured themes of heavy catholic guilt and experimentation with aethetic abstraction. Around this same time Scorsese made a number of short films that have now been collected for your viewing pleasure.
The more experimental aspects of Scorsese’s later work can be seen in his earlier work, such as in the short film The Big Shave (1967)– a political piece that looks at America’s involvement in Vietnam. While the documentary-style Italian American (1974) explores Scorsese’s roots and familial influences. What’s A Nice Girl Like You Doing In A Place Like This? (1963) is a comedy about a writer, that Scorsese made while he was still in college at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts. It’s Not Just You, Murray! (1964) looks at the life of mobster Murray, who is being backstabbed and beaten down every step of the way, and doesn’t even realise it.
If you don’t want to watch Scorsese’s short films for the cinema street cred alone then at least watch them for their quality. Even non-Scorsese fans might be able to watch these films. After all, they are conveniently bite-sized.
Released in Australia 20/07/11
