By Ken Parker
One of the common themes for Sci-fi
films is to present a commentary of society today. Writers and
producers can make statements about problems and issues of the day
but in creative ways that at times, can be disguised in a fantastic
world. The following film is one of the more obvious examples of
this commentary. It is also probably one of the most influential
films on this list for its imagery and themes. The fact that the
film was made in 1927 and was silent speaks volumes in how superb it
is. Couple that with the fact that the film gained appreciation in
years later shows the staying power and the importance the film
conveys.
9- Metropolis – (1927)
Of all the films on this list, this is
the one I have seen the least amount of times. I saw it once on home
video, once in the theaters in the form of the 1987 pop music
version and finally once just recently on blu ray. Each version I
saw was different and yet, the themes are all there.
IMDB Story Summary - Sometime in the future, the city of Metropolis is home to a Utopian society where its wealthy residents live a carefree life. One of those is Freder Fredersen. One day, he spots a beautiful woman with a group of children, she and the children who quickly disappear. Trying to follow her, he, oblivious to such, is horrified to find an underground world of workers, apparently who run the machinery which keeps the above ground Utopian world functioning. One of the few people above ground who knows about the world below is Freder's father, Joh Fredersen, who is the founder and master of Metropolis. Freder learns that the woman is Maria, who espouses the need to join the "hands" - the workers - to the "head" - those in power above - by a mediator or the "heart". Freder wants to help the plight of the workers in the want for a better life. But when Joh learns of what Maria is espousing and that Freder is joining their cause... Written by Huggo
I still can't get over how great the
sets and effects are. How can one look at a 1927 film and think the
effects are any good? Well, this film manages to do this just fine.
The giant sets and the design of the film are incredible. Not only
does the film anticipate some of the real future but it touches upon
issues that will plague the world until present day.
The class struggle theme was more of an
issue than it is today and yet how can one not see that the class
differences are still prevalent, just altered. The ojectivization of
people, whether it be the workers or women is also examined to an
extent. Technology is essential and yet is dehumanizing everyone –
a theme as powerful as it was during the industrial revolution.
Communication between the worker class and management is also dealt
with.
Director Fritz Lang puts the futuristic
spin on these present day problems and addresses them with answers
and outcomes, teaching us where we may be heading and what to do to
make things better.
Doing all this with a silent film
relies on imagery and performances. The acting can be considered the
usual silent film over the top work and yet it did well to push home
the points needed.
The film has a fair amount of action
and drama. The editing and pacing of the film is perfect. One can't
marvel enough at this film and what it does and meant to film
history. When I first saw the film I just thought it was an early
movie that would have laughable effects and primitive ideas. That
was not the case and it easily ranks on most best Sci-Fi movie lists.
The recent release of Metropolis
includes a near complete version of the film and while some of the
latest found scenes are in such bad shape, the film really has a
complex story with so many things to say.
I found the film such a standard
blueprint for Sci-Fi in general I cannot marvel at it's execution on
all levels. It is hard for me to praise most Sci-Fi films and not
put Metropolis right up there with the rest.
When did I first see the film –
rented in the mid 80's
How many times have I seen it – only
3
I now have it on blur-ray.
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_(film)
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