Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science fiction film directed by Fritz Lang. Set in a futuristic urban dystopia, the film explores the class struggle between the wealthy industrialists and the oppressed workers. The film is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects, elaborate set designs, and influential visual style.
The Story Unfolds
The City of Metropolis
The film is set in the massive, sprawling city of Metropolis, characterized by towering skyscrapers and advanced technology. The city is sharply divided between the wealthy elite, who live in luxury above ground, and the oppressed workers, who toil in harsh conditions in the underground levels.
Freder and Maria
The narrative centers on Freder Fredersen (Gustav Fröhlich), the son of the city’s mastermind, Joh Fredersen (Alfred Abel). Freder lives a carefree life until he encounters Maria (Brigitte Helm), a compassionate worker who preaches peace and hope to the workers’ children. Freder becomes infatuated with Maria and follows her to the workers’ underground city, where he witnesses the brutal conditions they endure.
The Climax and Resolution
The Robot Maria
Joh Fredersen enlists the help of the mad scientist Rotwang (Rudolf Klein-Rogge) to create a robot that can control the workers. Rotwang creates a robot in Maria’s likeness to incite chaos and rebellion among the workers, thus discrediting her message of peace. The robot Maria (also played by Brigitte Helm) leads the workers to revolt, causing widespread destruction.
The Final Confrontation
The chaos culminates in a dramatic confrontation. The real Maria and Freder work together to save the workers’ children from the flooding underground city caused by the robot’s actions. The workers, realizing they have been deceived, turn on the robot Maria and destroy her. In the end, Freder becomes the mediator (“the heart”) who bridges the gap between his father (“the head”) and the workers (“the hands”).
The Conclusion
The Heart Mediator
The film concludes with Freder successfully mediating peace between Joh Fredersen and the workers, symbolizing the hope for a more equitable society. The final scene shows Freder linking the hands of his father and the worker leader, emphasizing the film’s central message: “The mediator between the head and the hands must be the heart.”
Movie Ending
Metropolis ends on an optimistic note with the reconciliation between the classes, suggesting that unity and understanding can overcome social and economic divides. This resolution highlights the film’s overarching theme of the necessity for empathy and cooperation between different societal groups.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Metropolis.
Type of Movie
Metropolis is a science fiction film that incorporates elements of dystopian drama, social commentary, and expressionist art.
Cast
- Gustav Fröhlich as Freder Fredersen
- Brigitte Helm as Maria / The Robot Maria
- Alfred Abel as Joh Fredersen
- Rudolf Klein-Rogge as Rotwang
Film Music and Composer
The original score for Metropolis was composed by Gottfried Huppertz. The music plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s dramatic and emotional impact.
Filming Locations
Metropolis was filmed at various locations in Berlin, Germany, including the UFA Studios in Babelsberg, Potsdam.
Awards and Nominations
While Metropolis did not receive major awards at the time of its release, it has since been recognized as a seminal work in cinema history. The film has been preserved in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and has received numerous accolades for its influence on the science fiction genre and its innovative special effects.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Fritz Lang’s vision for Metropolis was inspired by his visit to New York City, where he was struck by the city’s towering skyscrapers and bustling urban life.
- The production of Metropolis was extensive and costly, with elaborate sets and groundbreaking special effects. It involved thousands of extras and innovative techniques, such as the Schüfftan process for creating mirror effects.
- The film’s dystopian themes and visual style have influenced countless science fiction works, including Blade Runner (1982) and The Matrix (1999).
Inspirations and References
Metropolis was influenced by various sources, including the art and architecture of New York City, German expressionist cinema, and the social and political climate of the Weimar Republic. The film’s themes reflect concerns about industrialization, class struggle, and the dehumanizing effects of technology.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Metropolis underwent significant editing before its release, resulting in various versions with different lengths. Some lost footage was rediscovered in 2008, leading to a more complete restoration of the film in subsequent years.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is based on a novel by Thea von Harbou, who also co-wrote the screenplay. While the novel provides additional context and character development, the film focuses more on visual storytelling and expressionist imagery.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The introduction of the city of Metropolis with its towering skyscrapers and advanced technology.
- Freder’s discovery of the harsh conditions in the workers’ underground city.
- The transformation of Maria into the robot by Rotwang.
- The workers’ revolt led by the robot Maria.
- The climactic flood and rescue of the workers’ children.
Iconic Quotes
- “The mediator between the head and the hands must be the heart.” – Epigraph of the film
- “There can be no understanding between the hand and the brain unless the heart acts as mediator.” – Maria
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The visual design of the robot Maria influenced the look of future cinematic robots, including C-3PO from Star Wars.
- The film’s use of light and shadow, along with its architectural design, reflects the influence of German expressionism.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately five million Reichsmarks, making it one of the most expensive films of its time.
- Metropolis is often cited as one of the greatest science fiction films ever made and has been included in numerous “best of” lists and film archives.
- The film’s original runtime was about 153 minutes, but various cuts and edits over the years have resulted in multiple versions of different lengths.
Why Watch?
Metropolis is a groundbreaking film that offers a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of futuristic dystopia and social issues. Its influence on the science fiction genre and its innovative special effects make it essential viewing for fans of classic cinema and film history.
Director’s Other Movies
Fritz Lang also directed:
- M (1931)
- The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)
- Fury (1936)
- The Big Heat (1953)
- Dr. Mabuse the Gambler (1922)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Blade Runner (1982)
- 1984 (1956)
- Brazil (1985)
- The Matrix (1999)
- THX 1138 (1971)
