Metropolis is a hurtling, spinning, futurist ball of energy that flashes visions of the future at its 1920's audience. It awes, it frightens, and it almost ceased to exist at all following nearly all copies of the film being lost to time. The cut that remains is still incomplete, with the full film being cut after its initial premiere. Nonetheless, the footage that does remain tells the story of the dazzling beacon of the future, and the dangers of unhindered influence on the working classes.
On my first watch of Metropolis, I didn't grasp the meaning of the long, drawn out sequences the film holds. To a fresh contemporary audience, I imagine these sequences were made to justify the hulking, expensive sets and the grandeur of the production design, even within the bustling factories. To me, they seemed uncaptivating and I remained in an impatient mindset until my 2nd viewing for this piece.
Now, I see these shots for what they are. A glimpse into a world so full of life that it needs time to sink in. Sets so hulking and full of German Expressionist character that they swallow the attention of the camera, and shots paced to parallel the time-wasting nature of the upper classes, and the monotonous droning lives of their lower class factory workers. Once I gave myself the space to consider these ideas, I found myself fixed to the screen and the synchronised crowds Lang orchestrated.
The costuming of the robotic 'Maria' is a staple in pop culture, repeated in films such as Star Wars, paving the way for the mechanised designs and concepts of the future and even reflected in Met Gala Costumes by figures such as Lil Nas X. Metropolis promotes a new style of sci-fi and yet is often forgotten in lieu of its progeny.
The film is long, and often chaotic and difficult to capture, but it's an expression of excitement for the future, and a warning to those in power. The influence of 'Maria' through her sexuality and rebellion against societal standards, though forced by her creator, reflects the rejection of the clean-slate society Metropolis attempts to evoke in its production design. She influences the upper classes, makes them 'return' to hedonism, and soon the social heirarchy is flipped, and the audience roots for the working classes and their freedom over the barbarity of these upper class factory owners and dandy's. It's a powerful message of solidarity for the working man, and something that is often forgotten or overshadowed by the beautiful set pieces and captivating spectacle.
To watch Metropolis and enjoy it fully, you need to visit the film with an open mind, and look beyond the dazzling lights of the city. An unshrouded statement on politics and European class systems is available for you to explore, and is worth the contemplation.
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comments