Trivia

The cinematographer Günther Rittau first studied natural science before he got in 1919 a contract at Decla where he worked for documentary movies.

He realised several movies as a director like "U-Boote westwärts!" (1941), "Meine vier Jungens" (1944) and "Eine alltägliche Geschichte" (1948).

Not least because of his experiences for special effects he was engaged as a cinematographer for many movies. To his well-known works of the 30s belong "Der blaue Engel" (1930), "Liebling der Götter" (1930) and "F.P.1 antwortet nicht" (1932). Afterwards he became a movie director.

His film Der ewige Klang (i.e. The Eternal Sound) about two brothers (a violinist and a violin maker) was considered "artistically valuable" by the Reichsfilmkammer.

When he changed to the Ufa he became a busy cinematographer and he took part at several important productions. To his works of the 20s belong "Die Nibelungen" (1924) directed by Fritz Lang and where he was especially responsible for the special effects and Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927).

He was also a demanded cinematographer during the sound film era of the 30s.

Metropolis (1927, as camera operator) and a propaganda movie U-Boote westwärts! (en:U-boats westwards!) (1941, as director) are considered to be among his best artistic achievements.

After the war he returned to his roots in the film business and he worked again as a cinematographer.

His experiences with the documentary film production and the production of trick photographs let to the development of his style.

In the 60's he concentrated to his work for TV documentaries and commercials.

In 1967, he was awarded Filmband in Gold.