Like its predecessor, Ruttmann's 'Berlin, Symphony of a Great City,' which it pays homage to, this is a film about the city itself as a huge living, breathing organism. Again, it violates the main principles of the documentary school by showing rather beautiful b&w images than important things. Its documentary value seems evident, though. This is a symphonic cascade of documentary images, in the manner of 'Koyaanisqatsi,' 'Manniskor i stad' and so forth. It is fascinating just to see what the people, clothing, uniforms, vehicles, streets, parks, restaurants, shops, theaters, nightclubs, and factories look like in this post-modern age of ours. The brutal, Stockhausen-like musical score is vitally important to bring this film to life. Visually, quite an experience.
Review of Berlin Symphony
