Futuritzy: A Quiet Peek into Tomorrow's Worries

“Futuritzy” is a curious little silent flick. If you’re a big fan of old movies, especially ones poking fun at silly beliefs, you might get a kick out of it. Anyone else, particularly those needing fast action or really deep plots, will probably find it a bit of a snoozer. It’s definitely not for everyone today, I mean that.

Our guy, Felix, is just trying to figure things out. He pops over to this fortune teller, then an astrologer, hoping for some answers. You can tell he’s really hoping for something clear, but also a bit of a skeptic the whole time.

The fortune teller scene is all dramatic shadows and a big, cloudy crystal ball. Felix looks so earnest when he first leans in. But then he kinda shifts in his seat, like he’s not fully buying what’s being said. The fortune teller’s gestures are so over-the-top, very theatrical. You almost expect a rabbit to come out of her sleeves. 🎩

Then it's off to the astrologer. This place feels different, you know? More books, charts, maybe a telescope prop in the corner. It's trying to be scientific. Felix seems a little more impressed at first. Like, “okay, this guy has data, right?” But the predictions feel just as vague, just dressed up with bigger words.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Futuritzy (1928) through its definitive frames.

There's this one moment where Felix just stares at the camera after hearing something. It's not a sad stare, not exactly funny either. Just this quiet, almost resigned look. Like he’s thinking, "Well, that was a lot of effort for... that." You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters. It lingers a bit.

The film keeps it really simple. It doesn't go wild with showing Felix's "future." It’s more about his quest to know it. And maybe the general futility of it all. The whole thing feels a bit like a gentle nudge, a reminder that some things are best left a mystery. Or that people will always try to sell you answers.

I really liked the energy Otto Messmer brings to Felix. He doesn't say a word, obviously, but his face tells a whole story. The way he raises an eyebrow, or gives a little sigh you can almost hear it. It’s very expressive. A real silent film pro, even if the role is kinda small.

The film's short length is a blessing here. It doesn't overstay its welcome, which is good. It makes its point, gives Felix his little journey, and then just fades out. If it had dragged on, trying to force more plot, it would’ve been tiresome. It just works as a quick peek into an older time.

Didja notice?

• The fortune teller’s hat is kinda lopsided. Really.
• Felix keeps adjusting his tie. A nervous habit, maybe? Or just a fidget.
• The astrologer has way too many charts on the wall. Like, total overkill.
• The ending shot almost feels like Felix is giving us a little wink. 😉

This isn't a masterpiece, no, or anything groundbreaking. It's a curiosity. A neat little time capsule. It reminds you that people worried about the future even way back when, and tried all sorts of ways to peek at it. Kinda makes you think.