A century ago, the cinematic epic, which lasted almost 300 minutes, revolutionized the world of cinema. This masterpiece, a forerunner of epic stories such as Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, will celebrate its centenary in 2024, commemorating its long-lasting influence on the construction of fantasy worlds. Indeed, although the genre and structure of fantasy epics long predates the cinema, the visual aesthetic of The Nibelungen strongly influenced Peter Jackson and George AR Martin, among others.
For those who have never seen a silent film before, we can recommend that you start Nibelungen (1924), an epic in two parts (The Death of Siegfried and Kriemhild’s Revenge), directed by Fritz Lang.
Based on a Germanic myth and epic poem The NibelungenWritten around 1200, like The Ring of the Nibelungen, a cycle of four operas by Richard Wagner, an expressionist epic. Fritz Lang Truly an extraordinarily ambitious visual piece in film history and an essential work for film buffs and fans of the genre.
first chapter, Death of SiegfriedIt lasts no less than 2 hours and 23 minutes and tells the story of Siegfried (Paul Richter), the son of the king of the Netherlands, who leaves his native forest for the kingdom of Burgundy after mastering the art of blacksmithing. Intending to marry Princess Kriemhild (Margaret Shawn).
second chapter Kriemhild’s Revenge, still as powerful and impactful, clocks in at 2 hours and 25 minutes and in turn follows Princess Kriemhild, as its title suggests, while also focusing on more intense battles and wars than the first film. In the end, the two chapters add up to a nearly 5-hour work of genius (4 hours and 48 minutes to be exact).
- From Smaug to Mushu: Do you know the most iconic dragons in cinema?
The two feature films, which took 9 months to shoot, were a huge success in Germany and Europe and had a huge influence on the cinematographers of the time – but not only that. Indeed, the films were also prized by German National Socialists (including Hitler and Goebbels), who later hijacked and remade them with new titles and new dialogue to promote Nazi doctrine.
In addition to this propaganda diversion, Nibelungen remains one of the most powerful and influential epics of silent cinema – and cinema in general.
Both parts of Nibelungen can be (re)discovered on VOD.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
