The Burning Soil
Plot
When farmer Rog dies, his eldest son Peter inherits the family farm while his younger brother Johannes seeks to escape rural poverty. Johannes becomes secretary to the wealthy Count Rudenberg and begins courting his daughter Gerda, but upon learning the Count is terminally ill and has bequeathed valuable petroleum-rich land to his second wife, Johannes abandons Gerda to pursue the widowed countess instead. This betrayal sets in motion a tragic chain of events that ultimately leads to Johannes's downfall and the destruction of his family's legacy.
About the Production
This was one of Murnau's early works, made during his peak creative period in the early 1920s. The film was produced during the height of German Expressionism, though it incorporates more naturalistic elements than some of Murnau's other works from this era.
Historical Background
Made during the Weimar Republic (1919-1933), a period of intense cultural and artistic flowering in Germany despite economic instability. The film reflects the social tensions of post-WWI Germany, including rural-urban migration, changing class structures, and the moral ambiguities of a society in transition. This was also the golden age of German cinema, when directors like Murnau, Lang, and Pabst were creating revolutionary works that would influence world cinema.
Why This Film Matters
As an early work by one of cinema's masters, The Burning Soil represents an important step in Murnau's artistic development. The film's exploration of social mobility and moral compromise reflects the anxieties of Weimar society. While not as famous as Murnau's later works like 'Sunrise' or 'Nosferatu,' it demonstrates his early mastery of visual storytelling and his interest in psychological drama.
Making Of
The Burning Soil was made during Murnau's prolific period at Decla-Bioscop, where he created several of his most important early works. The film showcases Murnau's developing visual style and his interest in social themes. The petroleum field subplot was particularly relevant to the economic changes occurring in Germany at the time, as industrialization was transforming rural society.
Visual Style
The cinematography, credited to Fritz Arno Wagner and Karl Freund, shows early examples of Murnau's innovative camera techniques, including dynamic movement and expressive lighting that would become more pronounced in his later works. The visual style blends Expressionist elements with more naturalistic approaches.
Innovations
The film demonstrates Murnau's early experimentation with camera movement and visual storytelling techniques that would become more refined in his later masterpieces. The use of location shooting and natural lighting was somewhat innovative for the period.
Music
As a silent film, it would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The original score is not documented, but typical accompaniment would have included orchestral or piano music that enhanced the dramatic moments.
Memorable Scenes
- The confrontation scene between the two brothers when Johannes's betrayal is revealed, showcasing Murnau's ability to create emotional intensity through visual composition and performance.
Did You Know?
- The original German title was 'Der brennende Acker' which literally translates to 'The Burning Field'
- This film was considered lost for many years before a copy was discovered and preserved
- Werner Krauss, who plays the father Rog, would later become infamous for his role in Nazi propaganda films
- The film explores themes of social mobility and class conflict that were particularly relevant in Weimar Republic Germany
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics praised the film's performances and Murnau's direction, though it was overshadowed by his more sensational works like 'Nosferatu.' Modern critics recognize it as an important early work that shows Murnau developing his distinctive visual style and thematic interests.
What Audiences Thought
The film received moderate success upon its release in Germany, though it did not achieve the commercial success of some of Murnau's other works from this period. Audiences responded positively to the dramatic performances and the compelling family drama.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- German Expressionism
- Nordic literature
- Weimar social drama
This Film Influenced
- Murnau's later social dramas
- Weimar rural dramas
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Film Restoration
The film was considered lost for decades but a copy has been preserved and restored. It is available through film archives and specialized distributors.