Lost Footage of "Metropolis" Found

ram.loss writes "According to a Reuters article, a long version of Metropolis has been found at a cinema museum in Argentina, by a newly appointed archivist. The reels have been authenticated by the Murnau foundation at Germany. 'Although estimates of its original length vary depending on the speed at which it is shown, Possmann said "Metropolis" was conceived as a film lasting just over 2-1/2 hours. Around 20 to 25 minutes of footage that fleshes out secondary characters and sheds light on the plot would be added to the film pending restoration, he added. But around 5 minutes of the original were probably still missing, he said.'"

Comments

I have nothing insightful to add but

[cptnapalm]

Metropolis is an excellent movie and now there will be more of it for me to see. This is pretty damn cool.

Re:I have nothing insightful to add but

[MightyMartian]

It's probably the most influential "futuristic" movie ever made, and not just influencing future movies (like Blade Runner or Star Wars), but likely being a major inspiration of Asimov's Trantor in the Foundation Series. It's a touchstone for that genre of film, and it's a pretty amazing story too. I haven't seen it since the last restoration in the late 1980s (they had recovered a lot of stills and used it to fill out the plot as much as possible), and I'm really keen to see a version that comes so close to Murnau's original vision.

Don't give them any ideas...

[ActusReus]

If they include dancing CGI creatures, or replace shotguns with walkie-talkies, I'll be PISSED.

Metropolis was distributed with a piano score

[MichaelCrawford]

As was the practice with many silent films: a live pianist would play the music during the film.

The first time I saw it, in a theatre, that piano score was on the soundtrack, and it added a great deal to the whole film. It was very clear that the music was carefully composed to work with Fritz Lang's vision.

Later, a colorized version came out with a modern Heavy Metal score. I didn't care for it at all. It's not that I dislike Heavy Metal, but that the music chosen really didn't work for the film.

I read somewhere that Adolf Hitler was really into Metropolis, and that he held it up as an example that all filmmakers should strive for. Food for thought.

Re:Good lord

[MightyMartian]

I agree. Boooooriinnng. Most black and white movies suck actually. And if they are silent, you might as well shoot yourself if some pompous "friend" has condemned you to an evening of watching it.

Ah yes, those that deprive themselves of great enjoyment because they don't like black and white films.

A few years ago I rented Rules of the Game from the library. I have to say that I can see why it sits right behind Citizen Kane in most critics lists. What an extraordinary film.

Films like Casablance, Psycho, Treasure of the Sierra Madre and NIght of the Hunter are enthralling films. In fact, I'd say in the case of Night of the Hunter and Psycho, they wouldn't be nearly as effective in color.