Metropolis 1927 Movie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Metropolis 1927 Movie - Essay Example The story of ‘Metropolis’ was co- written with Lang’s wife Thea Von Harbou. Throughout the movie, one is entertained in observing the innovativeness of imageries used by cinematographer Karl Freund. Otto Hunte handled the art designing department. Its lead actors include Alfred Abel as Joh Frederson, Gustav Frohlich as Freder, Rudolf K. Rogge as Rotwang, Theodor Loos as Josaphat, Fritz Rasp as the Thin Man, Brigitte Helm as Maria and Heinrich George as the Guardian of the Heart Machine, Grot. Besides the ill impacts of industrial revolution, the movie was also inspired by ‘Gas’, ax expressionist play by Georg Kaiser (Huyssen, 223). Background: Chaos In the 1920’s, the city of Los Angeles represented the whole condition of America in a nutshell. The city dwellers were clearly divided into two sections. While the former was bright, full of fun and frolic the other was embedded deep into darkness. However, this division was unplanned and never sta tic (Sitton, 1-3). Darkness was in the lives of people belonging to the latter group, who inhabited the city’s dark underworld. They were restless and aimless, struggling for identities within dingy working conditions. It was quite impossible to unnotice the vigorous potential of energy or force soaring among the masses. As more and more immigrants poured in during 1920’s America began to transform. Big Red Cars of Pacific Electric began to flood the streets of Los Angeles downtown. Expansion came hand in hand. It was immediately followed by oil discoveries and subsequent effects of industrial revolution. While one section of society fully reaped the benefits of this revolution, the other section got plunged into darkness. The business leaders became synonymous with exploiters and the terms like â€Å"industrial employment†, â€Å"industrial capitalism†, etc. were defined in a new way (Sitton, 15). Practically, with the huge inflow of labors, number of fa ctories increased but the quality and quantity of facilities remained the same. This resulted in congestion, less availability of basic human requirements, and an increase of crime and sickness. It was this abhorrence and horror that inspired making of ‘Metropolis’ in 1927. Industrial revolution: theme of Metropolis According to Parker, â€Å"Metropolis was all about movement, crowds, noise, smoke and a constant atmosphere of menace and danger† (Parker 155). Being a silent film, it successfully brings out the unforgiving nature of city life, without using any dialogue. It is not a film that inspires hope. It rather focuses on the destitution and hopelessness prevails. At the same time, it also highlights the notion of Proletarian women, of which Maria is the chef spokesperson. Along with oppression, the movie also shows the lessening of family values with the advent of industrial revolution. However, in the latter half of the movie the maternal instinct is shown to be growing stronger and ends up in the form of a rebellion. Mass dynamism and force is the only remedy for escaping the tyrannies of capitalism- is the only note of hope that this movie offers. (Gabriela, 30). To emphasize the theme of industrial revolution, several scenes represent use of technology. Such scenes, not only increases the emotional effect of the picture, but also directs the flow of narrative. Some of these memorable scenes are- the beginning of the movie