Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Original Version of "Metropolis" Rediscovered in Buenos Aires

Old Cinema Posters at an Exhibition about the Amigos del Arte in the MALBA in Buenos Aires, Argentina
About a year ago the news of the sensational rediscovery of the original version of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" went around the globe. The find of this uncut version in the archives of the film museum Museo del Cine in Buenos Aires is so important because it contains key scenes that were considered to be lost forever after the movie was radically cut because of a disappointing premiere. These 30 minutes long scenes could give a completely new view on the dramaturgical plot. Metropolis is a historic masterpiece of early cinematography and the most important silent movie in German history. The original cut of the dystopia had its premiere in Berlin on January 10, 1927. Metropolis is probably the most famous science fiction movie ever and has influenced and inspired writers, movie producers and directors down to the present day. The 16-millimeter negatives are currently under restoration and will be most likely shown at next year's Berlinale in Germany.

9 comments:

stromsjo said...

An original version, 82 years old. I wonder if anything we're producing in this digital age will remain 82 years from now. We tend to change formats and technologies so fast and with very little regard for archiving.

Lowell said...

Fascinating. I have never heard of it! Which means nothing except there are certain important things of which I remain ignorant.

A dramatic photo!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Very informative post, as usual. I loved your photo a couple of days ago of the bookstore on Av. Santa Fe. I will ask my son to take me there, as he lives in Buenos Aires.

You had left a comment a week or two ago on my site to ask if cowboys in Costa Rica are called gauchos. I saved my answer until today because I had another photo today of horses and a cowboy. In Costa RIca a cowboy is called a vaquero.

AB said...

The couple contemplating the posters are nicely captured. Do they know they are starring in your blog?

B SQUARED said...

I remember seeing it in film class. A true classic. Would love to compare the two versions.

Unknown said...

I was not aware of this fantastic find. I've seen the movie a long time ago and now I'm definitely looking forward watching the 'new' version.

EG CameraGirl said...

How wonderful when something considered lost suddenly appears!

VEB wortfeile said...

I already liked the expressionistic shortened version.
The thematized wheelwork of the working world seems to eagerly swallow up the people.
The embedded social and revolutionary subject of the movie has a great relevance for real life then and now.
I'm looking forward to see the uncut version of Metropolis.

Prospero said...

Have you seen Fritz Lang in Godard's Le mépris?