Cast
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Crew
Director
- Harry Piel
Writer
- Alfred Zeisler
- Harry Piel
- Victor Abel
Producer
- Harry Piel
- Heinrich Nebenzahl
- Louis Zimmerman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Rivals explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Harry Piel brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1923, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rivals took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1923, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: February 23, 1923
- Runtime: 1h 45m