Ebert's Review of Metropolis

Review of Metropolis

• Robert Ebert hailed the restoration of "Metropolis," adding approximately 30 minutes to its original length, bringing the total to about 150 minutes.
• The film shaped the portrayal of futuristic cities as places of material progress contrasted with human despair, influencing many subsequent films including "Blade Runner" and "Dark City."
• The character Rotwang and his laboratory established the archetype of the mad scientist in cinema, a visual style echoed in films like "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935).
• The "false Maria" robot served as inspiration for the Replicants in "Blade Runner" and influenced other works, including "Dr. Strangelove."

Impact on Cinema

• Lang's obsessive dedication to the film, lasting nearly a year, led to a masterpiece essential for understanding other films.
• The film's imagery and characters became iconic, enriching the visual language of storytelling in cinema.
• The music score for "Metropolis," particularly its Romeo and Juliet segment, enhanced the dramatic impact and was eventually lost and later recreated.

Restoration and Reconstruction

• The restoration of Nino Rota's score for "Romeo & Juliet" involved reconstructing the music by ear, as the original manuscript was lost.
• Rota is celebrated for his significant contributions to film music, particularly for his collaborations with directors like Federico Fellini and Francis Ford Coppola.
• The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra’s version is noted for its completeness and beauty, showcasing Renaissance musical influences.

Marcel Duchamp's Fountain

• Duchamp's "Fountain," an avant-garde piece presented in 1917, challenges conventional definitions of art by using a manufactured urinal.
• It was submitted to the Society of Independent Artists exhibition and is credited with inaugurating conceptual art, representing "everyday objects" elevated to art through the artist’s choice.
• "Fountain" was voted the most influential modern artwork in 2004 and continues to provoke debate and analysis a century later.
• The original artwork is lost, leading to questions about authenticity and the nature of the piece itself, creating a legacy of replicas and interpretations.

Controversy and Cultural Significance

• Despite the mystery surrounding its creation, "Fountain" has inspired countless imitations and discussions about art's purpose and value.
• The discrepancy regarding the urinal’s origin adds to its mystique, questioning the nature of readymade art.
• Duchamp commissioned 16 replicas in the 1950s-60s, which were made to his specifications, further extending the conversation about authenticity in art.

Review of Metropolis

• Robert Ebert hailed the restoration of "Metropolis," adding approximately 30 minutes to its original length, bringing the total to about 150 minutes.
• The film shaped the portrayal of futuristic cities as places of material progress contrasted with human despair, influencing many subsequent films including "Blade Runner" and "Dark City."
• The character Rotwang and his laboratory established the archetype of the mad scientist in cinema, a visual style echoed in films like "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935).
• The "false Maria" robot served as inspiration for the Replicants in "Blade Runner" and influenced other works, including "Dr. Strangelove."

Impact on Cinema

• Lang's obsessive dedication to the film, lasting nearly a year, led to a masterpiece essential for understanding other films.
• The film's imagery and characters became iconic, enriching the visual language of storytelling in cinema.
• The music score for "Metropolis," particularly its Romeo and Juliet segment, enhanced the dramatic impact and was eventually lost and later recreated.

Restoration and Reconstruction

• The restoration of Nino Rota's score for "Romeo & Juliet" involved reconstructing the music by ear, as the original manuscript was lost.
• Rota is celebrated for his significant contributions to film music, particularly for his collaborations with directors like Federico Fellini and Francis Ford Coppola.
• The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra’s version is noted for its completeness and beauty, showcasing Renaissance musical influences.

Marcel Duchamp's Fountain

• Duchamp's "Fountain," an avant-garde piece presented in 1917, challenges conventional definitions of art by using a manufactured urinal.
• It was submitted to the Society of Independent Artists exhibition and is credited with inaugurating conceptual art, representing "everyday objects" elevated to art through the artist’s choice.
• "Fountain" was voted the most influential modern artwork in 2004 and continues to provoke debate and analysis a century later.
• The original artwork is lost, leading to questions about authenticity and the nature of the piece itself, creating a legacy of replicas and interpretations.

Controversy and Cultural Significance

• Despite the mystery surrounding its creation, "Fountain" has inspired countless imitations and discussions about art's purpose and value.
• The discrepancy regarding the urinal’s origin adds to its mystique, questioning the nature of readymade art.
• Duchamp commissioned 16 replicas in the 1950s-60s, which were made to his specifications, further extending the conversation about authenticity in art.

Review of Metropolis

• Robert Ebert hailed the restoration of "Metropolis," adding approximately 30 minutes to its original length, bringing the total to about 150 minutes.
• The film shaped the portrayal of futuristic cities as places of material progress contrasted with human despair, influencing many subsequent films including "Blade Runner" and "Dark City."
• The character Rotwang and his laboratory established the archetype of the mad scientist in cinema, a visual style echoed in films like "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935).
• The "false Maria" robot served as inspiration for the Replicants in "Blade Runner" and influenced other works, including "Dr. Strangelove."

Impact on Cinema

• Lang's obsessive dedication to the film, lasting nearly a year, led to a masterpiece essential for understanding other films.
• The film's imagery and characters became iconic, enriching the visual language of storytelling in cinema.
• The music score for "Metropolis," particularly its Romeo and Juliet segment, enhanced the dramatic impact and was eventually lost and later recreated.

Restoration and Reconstruction

• The restoration of Nino Rota's score for "Romeo & Juliet" involved reconstructing the music by ear, as the original manuscript was lost.
• Rota is celebrated for his significant contributions to film music, particularly for his collaborations with directors like Federico Fellini and Francis Ford Coppola.
• The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra’s version is noted for its completeness and beauty, showcasing Renaissance musical influences.

Marcel Duchamp's Fountain

• Duchamp's "Fountain," an avant-garde piece presented in 1917, challenges conventional definitions of art by using a manufactured urinal.
• It was submitted to the Society of Independent Artists exhibition and is credited with inaugurating conceptual art, representing "everyday objects" elevated to art through the artist’s choice.
• "Fountain" was voted the most influential modern artwork in 2004 and continues to provoke debate and analysis a century later.
• The original artwork is lost, leading to questions about authenticity and the nature of the piece itself, creating a legacy of replicas and interpretations.

Controversy and Cultural Significance

• Despite the mystery surrounding its creation, "Fountain" has inspired countless imitations and discussions about art's purpose and value.
• The discrepancy regarding the urinal’s origin adds to its mystique, questioning the nature of readymade art.
• Duchamp commissioned 16 replicas in the 1950s-60s, which were made to his specifications, further extending the conversation about authenticity in art.

Explore Robert Ebert's insightful review of the restored version of Fritz Lang's classic film 'Metropolis.' This comprehensive critique highlights the film's impact on cinema and its portrayal of a dystopian future. Discover how the restoration of 30 minutes of missing footage enhances the viewing experience and deepens the film's themes.