Metropolis

Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1927) is regarded by some as one of the best films ever created. I'll withhold judgement until I see a better copy; the VHS from the library was nearly unwatchable. If it is as truly great as some of the scenes seemed they could be, it is well worth a Criterion DVD. I did find it absorbing, even though it appeared to be through fog on a lake. The Moloch scene was truly incredible - humans being sacrificed in lock-step to the insatiable machine. I want to see this one, restored. http://imdb.com/title/tt0017136/

The Battleship Potemkin

or Bronenosets Potyomkin (1925) is a hugely influential silent film, which almost was not produced or distributed because there is no romance, nor movie stars. It is based upon a historical mutiny aboard the Potemkin, which resulted in a massacre in Odessa. It was banned in some countries because it was feared that the film would instigate revolt. According to Roger Ebert, "It was banned at various times in the United States and France, and for a longer time than any other film in British history; even Stalin banned it, at a time when mutiny was against the party line." http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19980719/REVIEWS08/401010302/1023, http://imdb.com/title/tt0015648/

Charlie Chaplin's City Lights

City Lights (1931) is a nearly perfect film. Chaplin didn't want to make a "talky," even though that's what the public clamored for. The only "talking" is in the opening (hilarious) sequence, when some city blowhards voices are quacked through a reed -- by Chaplin himself. In fact, he composed the film score, also, so it is not a "silent" film. While this film is so funny that occasionally I could only wheeze, it also is thoughtful, and the final scene has to be seen to be believed, it is so perfect. It fills my heart with joy and sadness at the same time, and may be the best ending of any film ever made. Charles Chaplin poured his heart, his talent, his money, and his time into this film, and I think it will stand forever as one of the finest. http://imdb.com/title/tt0021749/