William Friedkin had just gotten huge with "The French Connection" and was ready to make "The Exorcist"... so what to do with a few free hours? Apparently, sit down for a lengthy (140-minute) chat with one of the all-time greatest directors...
Lang looks amazing here, old and distinguished, with an eye patch that only adds to his mystique. While not the most controversial figure, his history is a bit questionable at times, and getting him on record like this is priceless. And in black and white, it looks much sharper than it would in color.
Friedkin wonders if "Metropolis" could be construed as Marxist. Lang answers that he does not know, which strongly suggests no such message was intended. He does add that his wife, Thea von Harbou, was responsible for the message that workers are the "heart" of society. He further says he would not have added sound even if he could, which is a great aesthetic choice...
The conversation goes on for some time, and covers all the hits... this is just such a great piece of film history...
