Metropolis

Fritz Langs Metropolis (1927) is a defining film of the silent era and science fiction genre. But the work of the films still photographer Horst von Harbou has remained obscure. Von Harbou, brother of Thea von Harbou, Langs then wife and co-screenwriter of Metropolis, photographed filmed scenes as well as off-camera action, and made an album of thirty-five photographs which he gave to the films young star Brigitte Helm. The book Metropolis is a careful reconstruction of this album, showing the photographs and some of their backsides which feature hand-written notes. Von Harbous photographs not only offer a rare insight into Langs film, but have been crucial in reconstructing missing scenes from it.