Metropolis (1927)

“There can be no understanding between the hands and the brain unless the heart acts as mediator.”

It is the future, and humans are divided into two groups: the thinkers, who make plans (but don't know how anything works), and the workers, who achieve goals (but don't have the vision). . .

You might not like Metropolis (at first) because. . .

• it’s old (1927). . .

• it’s foreign (German). . .

• it’s silent (well, there is a music track). . .

• it’s “restored”. . .

but remember. . .

What the people are saying. . .

I was shocked to find myself riveted to this movie. This is without a

doubt the best sci-fi movie I've ever seen!

Let me explain my position. We have all seen modern sci-fi movies,

and argued over which is the best ever made, but those film makers

have high speed film and computers. Imagine trying to make a movie

today with only the tools available to Fritz Lang in 1925, and even if

you used a modern camcorder it would be nigh impossible! This is a

must see for all persons interested in the history of film, as well as just

good fun for everyone. The social metaphors as well as the religious

and philosophical double meanings are a sight to behold.

Restored Kino DVD changed my view of this film

I expected to be distracted by the restoration's technique of

concise written descriptions of missing sequences, but the narrative

coherence that these provided was definitely worth it. As "exaggerated"

as the style of acting seems by contemporary standards, some

performances, such as the Master of the city, are amazingly nuanced

and layered, and Brigitte Helm is stunning as both Maria and her evil

clone.

The meticulous design of the film, the unerring camera placement

and Lang's muscular choreography of the crowd scenes are

breathtaking. I'd thought of METROPOLIS as a curiosity ("important" =

"dull") but now I've come to appreciate it as the seminal work it has

always been.

Highly influential and, dare I say, prophetic?

Fritz Lang's Metropolis is the first true masterpiece of science fiction in film. You

can see its influence in films such as Star Wars, The Matrix, Blade Runner, and countless

others. Despite the fact that parts of the film are no longer available, the efforts to

reconstruct the original film from its remains are valiant enough to provide enough to

make the story clear. The special effects were far ahead of their time and the set designs

were, in some cases, phenomenal.

I can see where some people may not enjoy this movie. It is hard for some to really

appreciate a movie that is 77 years old, because a lot has happened in film since then.

Yet, if you look at the basic elements of this movie - its story, characters, artwork,

cinematography, etc., I believe this movie has just as much to offer now as it must have

in the late 1920's.

Also, take into consideration the asthetics of German expressionist film when

viewing this. The performances and set designs are going to be over the top. That was

part of the style. Metropolis may not be for everyone, but, for those willing to read

between the lines, this film still has a lot to offer!

Cast of Characters

Freder Frederson, son of the “Master of the City”, and a pampered twit.

Maria, the spiritual leader of the Workers, who opens Freder’s eyes to the injustices of the world.

The evil Dr. Rotwang, who creates. . .

the Robot Maria, who will be used to destroy the Workers’ Revolt.