MovieChat Forums > Der letzte Mann (1925) Discussion > The alledged opening tracking shot

The alledged opening tracking shot


The opening shot is said to be revolutionary in execution. It is meant to take us from the elevator through the hotel lobby and out the door. This is not what happens in my version. The elevator comes down, the door is opened. Cut to the front door where the camera stops. Extremely ordinary shot sequence. What am I missing here?

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Last movie watched: Snowpiercer (8/10)

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I hadn't heard about this grand opening, but I saw the very same you did. I believe the opening was revolutionary for the first time use of a non-static camera, or better what would later be called a dolly camera to accompany Jannings' movements through the lobby. It was told by then assistant of production Edgar G. Ulmer. Maybe they planned something bigger, but didn't have enough resources to execute it.

http://criticaretro.blogspot.com

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It was a great shot nonetheless.

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