Überfall

"Überfall," known in the U.S. under the release title "Accident," is a silent short film from Germany, originally titled "Polizeibericht--Überfall." Directed by Ernő Metzner, this film captures the essence of early German cinema with its exploration of crime and fate. The story revolves around a man who finds a counterfeit coin, which leads him into a series of unfortunate events, each more perilous than the last. The coin, initially seen as a stroke of luck, becomes a harbinger of misfortune, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of life. With its expressionistic style, the film uses visual storytelling to convey the tension and the moral lessons of the narrative, reflecting the societal and economic struggles of Weimar Germany. Through its narrative, "Überfall" examines themes of greed, fate, and the harsh realities faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.