Fritz Lang

Born:December 5, 1890

Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria

Died:August 2, 1976

Known For:Directing

Biography

Fritz Lang, born Friedrich Christian Anton Lang, was a visionary Austrian-German filmmaker whose impact on cinema reverberates through the ages. Renowned for his contributions to Expressionism, Lang's work has left an indelible mark on the history of film. Often referred to as the "Master of Darkness" by critics and scholars, Lang's films are characterized by their atmospheric visuals and compelling narratives.

Among Lang's most iconic works is the groundbreaking science-fiction epic "Metropolis" (1927), a film that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects in the silent era. This ambitious project, considered the most expensive silent film of its time, showcased Lang's unparalleled creativity and technical prowess. The film's enduring legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Another masterpiece in Lang's filmography is the influential thriller "M" (1931), a chilling exploration of crime and justice that solidified Lang's reputation as a master storyteller. With its haunting portrayal of a child murderer and the city's relentless pursuit of justice, "M" remains a timeless classic that showcases Lang's ability to captivate and provoke audiences.

Transitioning to Hollywood, Lang continued to leave his mark on cinema with a series of acclaimed films that helped shape the film noir genre. Works such as "Scarlet Street" (1945) and "The Big Heat" (1953) exemplify Lang's skill in crafting gripping narratives filled with moral ambiguity and psychological depth. His unique blend of visual style and thematic complexity set a new standard for filmmaking in Hollywood.

Andrew Sarris, a notable film critic, included Lang in his list of the 14 greatest film directors in his book "The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968." This recognition speaks to Lang's enduring influence on the art of cinema and his legacy as a pioneering filmmaker whose work transcends time and borders.

Beyond his directorial achievements, Lang also dabbled in screenwriting, film producing, and even acting, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling across various roles in the film industry. His multidimensional approach to filmmaking allowed him to explore different facets of storytelling and creativity, cementing his status as a true auteur.

Fritz Lang's cinematic legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles around the world, with his films remaining as powerful and relevant today as they were during their initial release. His contributions to the art of filmmaking have left an indelible mark on the medium, solidifying his place in the pantheon of legendary directors whose work continues to shape the landscape of cinema. Lang's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions has earned him a place in film history as a visionary storyteller and a true pioneer of the silver screen.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Contempt

Fritz Lang

1963

A philistine in the art film business, Jeremy Prokosch is a producer unhappy with the work of his director. Prokosch has hired Fritz Lang to direct an adaptation of "The Odyssey," but when it seems that the legendary filmmaker is making a picture destined to bomb at the box office, he brings in a screenwriter to energize the script. The professional intersects with the personal when a rift develops between the writer and his wife.

Production

Metropolis

Screenplay

1927

In a futuristic city sharply divided between the rich and the poor, the son of the city's mastermind meets a prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.

M

Screenplay

1931

In this classic German thriller, Hans Beckert, a serial killer who preys on children, becomes the focus of a massive Berlin police manhunt. Beckert's heinous crimes are so repellant and disruptive to city life that he is even targeted by others in the seedy underworld network. With both cops and criminals in pursuit, the murderer soon realizes that people are on his trail, sending him into a tense, panicked attempt to escape justice.

Scarlet Street

Producer

1945

Cashier and part-time starving artist Christopher Cross is absolutely smitten with the beautiful Kitty March. Kitty plays along, but she's really only interested in Johnny, a two-bit crook. When Kitty and Johnny find out that art dealers are interested in Chris's work, they con him into letting Kitty take credit for the paintings. Cross allows it because he is in love with Kitty, but his love will only let her get away with so much.

The Woman in the Window

Director

1944

A seductive woman gets an innocent professor mixed up in murder.

You Only Live Once

Director

1937

Based partially on the story of Bonnie and Clyde, Eddie Taylor is an ex-convict who cannot get a break after being released from prison. When he is framed for murder, Taylor is forced to flee with his wife Joan Graham and baby. While escaping prison after being sentenced to death, Taylor becomes a real murderer, condemning himself and Joan to a life of crime and death on the road.

The Big Heat

Director

1953

After the suspicious suicide of a fellow cop, tough homicide detective Dave Bannion takes the law into his own hands when he sets out to smash a vicious crime syndicate.

Secret Beyond the Door

Producer

1947

After a whirlwind romance in Mexico, a beautiful heiress marries a man she barely knows with hardly a second thought. She finds his New York home full of his strange relations, and macabre rooms that are replicas of famous murder sites. One locked room contains the secret to her husband's obsession, and the truth about what happened to his first wife.