Greatest Films of All Time 2022: 9=

Man With a Movie Camera

Chelovek s kino-apparatom

Highly innovative, silent documentary portrait of life and work in a modern industrial city.

  • Director

    Dziga Vertov

  • With

    Mikhail Kaufman

  • USSR 1929. 68min

  • Digital

  • English subtitles, with score

This dazzling, innovative ‘city symphony’ emerged from a revolutionary belief in the cinematic transformation of reality. Delighting in the life of a modern industrial and urban landscape, it pushes technique to its limit, employing trick cinematography, animation and visual effects. But it’s also a fascinating reflection on every aspect of filmmaking, from shooting and editing to its exhibition and reception.

David Somerset

Also screening at BFI Southbank.

Part of our Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time season.

Also available on BFI Player.