Metropolis by Fritz Lang

A scene from Metropolis

Metropolis was first released in 1927 and has since gained a cult following. The filmed is based somewhere in the mid 21st Century, which at the time was considerably far into the future.

An original poster.

The film depicts a distopian mega-city state, were society is divided into two classes, the workers and the thinkers. These groups of people are interdependent, i.e. need each other in order for their state to function. The main characters, Freder (the son of the Master of Metropolis) and Maria (who is a teacher to the children of the workers) try to find a way by which both groups of people could come to work with each other in a more respective manner.

The film itself is more than 70 years old. However, it still remains one of the most iconic films in German Expressionist cinema. 

Even though films are, technically speaking, moving images the fact that this film has remained so popular shows a distinctive amount of permanence. The subject of different groups of people within a society finding it hard to find a way to conform with each other, is still a relevant topic in today's world. Through this timelessness, a particular type of stillness can be seen when observing its impact on popular culture. 

In the Harlot of Babylon Sequence, were the Robot, which has taken the form of Maria, is portraying the infamous Harlot of Babylon. her positioning on top of the mound of the Seven Deadly Sins has an aura of permanence. You'd just think that she is to remain in that same position forever. Like she is just a work of art placed there for viewers to marvel at. It is because of this factor I wish to use Metropolis as a main source of inspiration for my project.

Reference:

Review of Metropolis [online] 
Written by; Roger Ebert
http://www.ebertfest.com/four/metropolis_silent_rev.htm
(accessed January 2014)

Metropolis – A Film Review and Analysis of the Restored Classic

Alexander Mercouris

http://mercouris.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/metropolis-a-film-review-and-analysis-of-the-restored-classic/ 
(accessed January 2014)