This is a review of the Kino DVD version of AELITA. The DVD is a mixed bag. On one hand, there are absolutely no special features--none. I would have loved to have seen some old soviet propaganda shorts or a cartoon or something! On the other hand, the print is absolutely fabulous--pristine, though the film does run a bit under-speed. In other words, silent films ran from 16 to 22 frames per second--well under the sound standard of 24 fps. So, silent films need to have their speed compensated for a bit or the movie runs too fast. However, Kino appeared to compensate a bit too much--making the film run at a slightly sluggish pace.
Apparently this is one of the earliest sci-fi films--debuting three years before METROPOLIS but 21 years after Georges Méliès' VOYAGE TO THE MOON (and very little, if any, in between). As far as the sci-fi aspects of the film, they are pretty exciting to watch. The bizarre costumes for the Martian segments are rather reminiscent of the German Expressionist movement seen in such films as THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI and METROPOLIS, though in a more subdued manner. This is because the film was made only a few years after the Russian Revolution and they were frankly too poor to afford the fancy sets and all the extras of more expensive German productions. It shows, but wasn't a major problem.
A serious difficulty with this film that has prevented it from being remembered like METROPOLIS is that the film's sci-fi elements really are secondary. In other words, Soviet propaganda is THE reason for the film and this makes viewing a real chore for the average viewer, though historically hearing all the pro-Communist rhetoric is interesting. Just be forewarned that its message is very heavy-handed and pervades the film.
The bulk of the film concerns Soviet citizens living in a home that has been subdivided into flats by the State. One couple consists of a good Soviet who believes in the revolution. He's a scientist and is dedicating his life to building a rocket to take him to Mars--it seems the planet has been sending cryptic messages to Earth and he wants to investigate. The other couple consists of an evil profiteer and his wife. While he has a job working for the State, he does it less out of a love for Mother Russia and more so he can pad his pockets. This is a very, very obvious slam at the White Russians and Socialists who the Communist government had just finished liquidating (i.e., killing) in order to "purify" the nation and purge counter-revolutionary thinking.
Unfortunately, these Soviets occupy so much of the film that little time is allowed for the Martians or the space flight. This really hinders the film as it's such obvious propaganda and very preachy as well.
As for Mars, Aelita is the queen of the planet, but she really has no power. Instead, a few jerks run the planet and enslave the masses. It's an obvious parallel to Czarist Russia--no subtlety here. In fact, when the humans do come to Mars, they spend their time fomenting revolution--turning the Martian proletariat into good Communists. Eventually, the revolution appears to triumph and they announce a Martian Soviet Socialist Republic!! There's a lot more to it than this, but I won't say more because it would probably ruin the film.
So why, if the film is so flawed, do I still give the film a 7? Well, it isn't because of all the propaganda and 75% of the film. It's because the other 25% are so fascinating and innovative that it's all very worthwhile. A very interesting film from a historical point of view, but its continual pro-Communist message is so unsubtle that it keeps the film from earning a higher score. This is ironic considering that much of the same pro-proletariat and anti-bourgeoisie message is also in METROPOLIS but because it's presented with some degree of subtlety, it's an infinitely more satisfying film.
Overall, from a political and historical point of view, it's worth seeing. But, for the average viewer out there, the film's creaky structure and blatant messages probably make it too tough to watch and enjoy. For the average viewer, it's just not worth a look--at least until you've seen other silent films and have learned to appreciate the genre--even the slower and less sophisticated films.
Apparently this is one of the earliest sci-fi films--debuting three years before METROPOLIS but 21 years after Georges Méliès' VOYAGE TO THE MOON (and very little, if any, in between). As far as the sci-fi aspects of the film, they are pretty exciting to watch. The bizarre costumes for the Martian segments are rather reminiscent of the German Expressionist movement seen in such films as THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI and METROPOLIS, though in a more subdued manner. This is because the film was made only a few years after the Russian Revolution and they were frankly too poor to afford the fancy sets and all the extras of more expensive German productions. It shows, but wasn't a major problem.
A serious difficulty with this film that has prevented it from being remembered like METROPOLIS is that the film's sci-fi elements really are secondary. In other words, Soviet propaganda is THE reason for the film and this makes viewing a real chore for the average viewer, though historically hearing all the pro-Communist rhetoric is interesting. Just be forewarned that its message is very heavy-handed and pervades the film.
The bulk of the film concerns Soviet citizens living in a home that has been subdivided into flats by the State. One couple consists of a good Soviet who believes in the revolution. He's a scientist and is dedicating his life to building a rocket to take him to Mars--it seems the planet has been sending cryptic messages to Earth and he wants to investigate. The other couple consists of an evil profiteer and his wife. While he has a job working for the State, he does it less out of a love for Mother Russia and more so he can pad his pockets. This is a very, very obvious slam at the White Russians and Socialists who the Communist government had just finished liquidating (i.e., killing) in order to "purify" the nation and purge counter-revolutionary thinking.
Unfortunately, these Soviets occupy so much of the film that little time is allowed for the Martians or the space flight. This really hinders the film as it's such obvious propaganda and very preachy as well.
As for Mars, Aelita is the queen of the planet, but she really has no power. Instead, a few jerks run the planet and enslave the masses. It's an obvious parallel to Czarist Russia--no subtlety here. In fact, when the humans do come to Mars, they spend their time fomenting revolution--turning the Martian proletariat into good Communists. Eventually, the revolution appears to triumph and they announce a Martian Soviet Socialist Republic!! There's a lot more to it than this, but I won't say more because it would probably ruin the film.
So why, if the film is so flawed, do I still give the film a 7? Well, it isn't because of all the propaganda and 75% of the film. It's because the other 25% are so fascinating and innovative that it's all very worthwhile. A very interesting film from a historical point of view, but its continual pro-Communist message is so unsubtle that it keeps the film from earning a higher score. This is ironic considering that much of the same pro-proletariat and anti-bourgeoisie message is also in METROPOLIS but because it's presented with some degree of subtlety, it's an infinitely more satisfying film.
Overall, from a political and historical point of view, it's worth seeing. But, for the average viewer out there, the film's creaky structure and blatant messages probably make it too tough to watch and enjoy. For the average viewer, it's just not worth a look--at least until you've seen other silent films and have learned to appreciate the genre--even the slower and less sophisticated films.