MovieChat Forums > Metropolis (1927) Discussion > So watched Metropolis at 1.5 fast forwar...

So watched Metropolis at 1.5 fast forward speed.........

posted 9 years ago by webber16879
15 replies | jump to latest

.......because the first time I tried watching it I feel asleep after about half an hour (which usually a personal sign that I'm bored). This has happened before when I watched The Big Sleep i.e. another quite old film, which is not a reflection of either film's' quality but of the different, in my view slower, editing techniques in comparison to modern day films/tv. I blame MTV.

Anyway the thing is at 1.5 speed I really enjoyed Metropolis and wasn't bored in the slightest. Is it wrong that I plan to use this as a backup plan should any other old film start to make me......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz [Sorry, I fell on the keyboard ;)] want to fall asleep or has anyone else tried this technique or have any others which they could suggest?

[–] Kingsbridger 9 years ago

Hate to admit it but I have done this in the past with the silents too. I would rather they put in subtitles for the sake of pace but only when the original film would have had the script panels. I don't do this for all the film's length, just when I can get the idea of what's going on via the acting. So you are not the only one. It has merit.

[–] webber16879 9 years ago

There was me thinking I was some rogue trailblazer!

[–] Michael_AA 9 years ago

I did this with Birth of a Nation because that is even longer and a tougher watch, so I sped it up to make it quicker. I guess not having any dialogue means that so as long as you can keep up with what's going on it's OK to speed it up

[–] tomgjcromwell 9 years ago

I only got 15 minutes into "Birth of a Nation" because it was pretty boring.

"Metropolis" was amazing and I couldn't stop watching all the way through.

I guess I might try the speed up trick for "Birth of a Nation."

[–] samkultz 9 years ago

Dude.. That's a bad habit and you should feel bad.

[–] webber16879 9 years ago

It's not a habit I've only did it for this film. However that's not me saying I won't do it again should the need arise ;)

[–] srinath_r_htanirs 9 years ago

This could very well be a satiric post, if only you intended it.

[–] Soodinum 8 years ago

*satirical

[–] RbDeraj 9 years ago

I didn't do that, but I thought it was definitely too long. They could have cut out at least a half hour and made it better. There are a lot of shots of the same thing over and over.

[–] franzkabuki 9 years ago

Good thinking. Next step would be to start listening to music at twice the intended speed.

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan

[–] MichaelJacksonPollock 9 years ago

Ah, but you forgot the 2nd golden rule of comedy my friend: always add the Yakety Sax music after you've sped things up 1.5 times!(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHmskwqCCQ)

[–] franzkabuki 9 years ago

Yes, the sounds and smells of Stiffy Allen excited. This music should always be playing over (sped up) ice hockey.

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan

[–] lucillek 8 years ago

Drinking a Can of Red Bull while watching a film works. Then when if I started to doze off in the mid part of a movie i just pause the movie, walk around my house for a bit, grab a snack, and un-pause.

[–] Prismark10 8 years ago

It certainly makes the time whiz by.

It's that man again!!