Top-Tier Alternatives In the Shadow of Feind im Blut: Cult Guide

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

Against a dark background, several bright, curved or rounded shapes pulse towards the center of the screen, one at a time. They are followed by many other shapes, some irregular, some pointed, others rounded. The abstract shapes move into or across the screen in harmony with the musical score.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

As early as 1909, Walter Ruttmann explored the artistic properties of the film. His theoretical and practical work led in 1919 to the first "absolute film", Opus I. Ruttmann placed "painting more time" halfway between painting and music.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Opus II perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

Walter Ruttmann's (Metropolis 1927) fourth abstract animated short in the series. In this the last film he has found a cohesion between the music and the action. The synergy between the music and the on screen action can be felt.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

Animated short subject advertising the Kantorowicz distillery, a Polish based family business specializing in liquids, spirits and fruit juices.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Opus IV perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

Third instalment in a series of short, abstract animations, featuring bright shapes moving against a dark background. The shapes move across the screen in harmony with the music.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

In this animated promotional short for the German electronics company AEG ,the music of a black performer in Africa is spread to other continents through the "play of waves" (Radio).

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Das Wunder perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

Nazi propaganda film about the embryo of metal falling from the sky, extracted by the German industry for various purposes.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

Intended to show the industrial city embedded in the surrounding landscape and German tradition, architecture and culture.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Opus III perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

In the huge steel factories in Terni (Umbria, Italy), two friends (Mario and Pietro) fight for the love of the same girl (Gina). Pietro dies because of a work accident at the factory. The other workers think Mario is responsible for the death of his friend. Mario, who is innocent, is forced to quit, but his love for Gina and his dedication to his job help him out of his crisis.

Dir: Walter Ruttmann

This movie shows us one day in Berlin, the rhythm of that time, starting at the earliest morning and ends in the deepest night.