REALLY OLD MOVIES: “Metropolis.” / “The Last Man on Earth.” / “Red Sun.”

“Metropolis” (1927, Tubi) German expressionist science-fiction silent film directed by Fritz Lang and written by Thea von Harbou (in collaboration with Mr Lang), from von Harbou's 1925 novel of the same name. Made in Germany during the Weimar period, Metropolis is set in a futuristic urban dystopia and follows the attempts of Freder, the wealthy son of the city master, and Maria, a saintly figure to the workers, to overcome the vast gulf separating the classes in their city and bring the workers together with Joh Fredersen, the city master. 

       The film's message is encompassed in the final inter-title: "The Mediator Between the Head and the Hands Must Be the Heart.” I must say that this movie, replete with astounding sets and well-choreographed pantomime (because it’s “silent”) was game-changing. The surrealist theme can be confusing or baffling but I did enjoy the elaborate black and white production design. 🎥💻📽

“The Last Man on Earth” (1964, Tubi) post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film based on the 1954 novel “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson. Although also based on the same book, this movie seems so different from the 2007 Will Smith-starrer, Francis Lawrence-directed “I Am Legend.” 

       Vincent Price is the (almost) sole actor in this 1964 movie, directed by Ubaldo Ragona. You can easily compare filmmaking then to those days. Just for that sake, I have been watching old movies, especially on Tubi. Try some! 🎥💻📽

“Red Sun” (1971, Plex) Spaghetti Western film directed by Terence Young and starring Charles Bronson, Toshirō Mifune, Alain Delon, Ursula Andress, and Capucine.

       Plot: Link Stuart (Mr Bronson) and Gauche (Mr Delon) are leaders of a gang of bandits who decide to rob $400,000 from a train. There, a Japanese ambassador is on his way to Washington, carrying a ceremonial tachi sword meant as a gift for the president. Gauche steals the gold-handled tachi and kills one of the ambassador's samurai bodyguards. That pits Link and Kuroda (Mr Mifune) against Gauche.

       As with Westerns in the past, Spaghetti or Hollywood, there's a lot of staring, horse rides, smartass quips, and gun duels here. 

Just for the sake of seeing these men and women of my childhood fascination with movies, it's already fun. 🎥💻📽