Films

Overview

This article introduces the city symphony film genre, highlighting its origins in the 1920s, its artistic characteristics, and key works to begin exploring the genre.

Defining the City Symphony Genre

• City symphonies are primarily silent films from the 1920s with no characters or plot, focusing instead on the rhythms and life of cities.
• The structure often mimics orchestral symphonies or the passing of a day rather than narrative storytelling.
• Films in this genre range from avant-garde abstract works to documentary-style observations of urban environments.
• Some later films blend city symphony elements with traditional narratives or personal perspectives.

Recommended Starting Point: Berlin: Symphony of a Great City

• "Berlin: Symphony of a Great City" (1927) is a highly regarded example, featuring notable German filmmakers.
• The film is known for its day-in-the-life structure and its focus on urban pace, anonymity, and energy.
• Artistic techniques include montage, juxtaposition, and abstraction, emphasizing city shapes and movements.
• The film's motivation is primarily artistic, not political.

Other Notable City Symphonies to Watch

• "A propos de Nice" (1930): Exposes social contrasts in Nice during carnival preparations.
• "Rien que les heures" (1926): Offers a day in Paris through impressionistic glimpses rather than narrative.
• "Regen" (1929): Captures Amsterdam in rain, focusing on rhythm and visual texture.
• "Manhatta" (1921): Considered the first city symphony, showcasing Manhattan's scale and poetry.
• "La Zone, au pays de chiffoniers" (1928): Portrays Paris's slum life from dawn to dusk.
• "De Steeg" (1932): Focuses on one street in Rotterdam, highlighting personal and social contrasts.
• "Halsted Street" (1934): Follows a major Chicago street, illustrating societal contrasts during the Depression.
• "Douro, Faina Fluvial" (1931): Combines a poetic look at Porto's urban poor with geometric cityscapes.

Films Better Viewed Later

• "Man with a Movie Camera" (1929) is not a pure city symphony, as it spans multiple cities and emphasizes cinematic design over depicting a single place.
• "Études sur Paris" (1928) is contemplative and may be too slow for newcomers.
• "People on Sunday" (1930) blends city symphony form with a narrative, signaling the genre’s transition.

Recommendations / Advice

• Start with "Berlin: Symphony of a Great City" for a classic introduction to the genre.
• Explore shorter key films to gain a broader understanding before trying hybrids or contemplative works.