Mise en Scene: Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis, Fritz Lang (1927)

Metropolis is a 1927 German science fiction movie directed by Fritz Lang. What I find absolutely fascinating about this movie is the fact that some portions of it were lost throughout the years and futile attempts were made to restore it entirely, resulting in different versions of the movie itself. I watched a version where the graphics were tinted with blue and white or red and white colour themes rather than just black and white, as well as another one with a horrible choice of score - nevertheless, still interesting to watch. Metropolis is set in a futuristic urban dystopia, complete with the portrayal of flying cars and advanced technology development like robots or Machine Human. The cost of the movie was approximately five million, which at that time, made it the most expensive film ever released. It had a simple cinematography and I have to admit, the storyline caught my attention.

In the first location it illustrated the City of The Workers. In this scene the workers of the factory were walking in groups in an organised and orderly fashion. They had their heads down almost the entire time with shoulders slumped as if too exhausted and disoriented to do any work. The setting was gloomy and the music being played fit in well - almost too depressing if I may add. In one section, the workers were each confined in a small space as if they were trapped which could also represent their unwillingness to work under pressure by the upper class citizens. This is the starting point of the prospect that something horrible will definitely happen.

On the contrary, in the second location, there was a complete change of scenery and mood. Clearly shown, was a couple of the upper class - both dressed properly and showered in luxuries. Both parties were frolicking around a fountain in the Eternal Gardens of Pleasure. There were pretty flowers and the frame was shot with greater space compared to the first location - this probably represents the true meaning of freedom they both possess. The colours used were also far brighter with hints of gold / yellow tones constantly associated with happiness.

From this scene, they indirectly introduced the main protagonists which were John Freder, the son of Master of Metropolis and the daughter of one of the workers which I later found out, is named Maria. She barged in with a huge group of children, with a sole purpose to point out to them the tremendous differences between the privileged and the working class, only to find herself interrupting Freder. She then was hurriedly ushered away. Freder found himself in a state of awe and astonishment, leading him to chase Maria all the way into the workers' city. This is where two different worlds collide and individuals of different statuses intertwine resulting in a beautiful yet tragic love story.

Unfortunately from here, it all went downhill. He arrived exactly in time for a horrible explosion to take place causing the workers to be badly injured. During this experience, Freder sat in shock - literally gobsmacked by the mishap happening in front of him. Following the catastrophe, the atmosphere had a complete 360 degree turnover intact with colour and graphic changes. The operational machine turned into something monster-like, a horrendous creature with its mouth wide open. Egyptian slaves were being carried into it, as if being eaten up alive - followed by the workers - again walking in huge groups in a formal, systematical manner, up the stairs to enter of what could have been a portal or some sort of secret passage. This may or may not have been Freder's hallucination but either way, it depicts the ideology of capitalism where the ruling class will always have the overbearing power over a lower class of underground-dwelling workers. This could also relate with the perpetual act of slavery and forced labour where the unprivileged suffice to jobs that are apparently only up to their levels/standards. 

To sum up, the movie was utterly a great experience. I enjoy venturing into the divergence of movies where important messages are often offered and conveyed. Overall I would say it was a movie that explored every aspect of emotions. I highly recommend it if you're a hardcore sci-fi fan, or even if you're not! This would surprise you in so many ways as without this iconic movie, we probably will not get most of the successful movies today.