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Film Encyclopedia Entry 1776528008

** The 1927 German science fiction film **Metropolis**, directed by **Fritz Lang**, is a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece that has influenced generations of filmmakers and continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking themes and striking visuals. **CONTENT:** ## Overview **Metropolis** is a dystopian science fiction film that tells the story of a futuristic city where the ruling class, known as the "Elders," live in luxury and power, while the working class, known as the "Proletarians," toil in darkness and poverty. The film's narrative is a commentary on the social and economic inequalities of the time, and its themes of class struggle, technological advancement, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization continue to resonate with audiences today. Directed by Austrian-born German filmmaker **Fritz Lang**, **Metropolis** was produced by **UFA** (Universum Film-Aktien Gesellschaft) and was released in Germany on January 10, 1927. The film's screenplay was written by **Thea von Harbou**, based on her 1926 novel of the same name. **Metropolis** was a massive production, with a budget of over 5 million Reichsmarks (approximately $3.5 million USD) and a cast of over 300 actors. ## History/Background The idea for **Metropolis** was born out of **Fritz Lang's** own experiences growing up in Vienna, where he witnessed the stark contrasts between the city's wealthy elite and its impoverished working class. Lang's vision for the film was to create a cinematic representation of the city's social and economic disparities, using a futuristic setting to comment on the issues of his time. **Metropolis** was also influenced by the works of **H.G. Wells**, particularly his novel **The Time Machine**, which explores the idea of a future society divided into two classes: the ruling class and the working class. The production of **Metropolis** was a complex and challenging process, with Lang working closely with his cinematographer, **Carl Hoffmann**, to create the film's distinctive visual style. The film's sets and costumes were designed by **Otto Hunte**, **Karl Vollbrecht**, and **Ernő Metzner**, and the special effects were handled by **Georg Wilhelm Pabst**. **Metropolis** was shot on location in Berlin and at the **Babelsberg Studios**, and it took over six months to complete. ## Key Information **Metropolis** was a groundbreaking film in many ways. It was one of the first science fiction films to explore the themes of class struggle and technological advancement, and it was also one of the first films to use special effects to create a futuristic cityscape. The film's visual style, which combines Expressionist and Art Deco elements, has been widely influential, and its use of shadows and lighting has been particularly praised. The film's cast includes **Brigitte Helm** as Maria, a young woman who becomes the symbol of hope for the working class, and **Alfred Abel** as Rotwang, a scientist who creates a robotic duplicate of Maria. **Gustav Fröhlich** plays Freder, the son of the ruler of Metropolis, who becomes disillusioned with the city's social and economic inequalities. ## Significance **Metropolis** has had a profound impact on the film industry and popular culture. It has influenced countless science fiction films, including **Blade Runner**, **Star Wars**, and **The Matrix**, and its themes of class struggle and technological advancement continue to resonate with audiences today. The film's visual style has also been widely influential, and its use of shadows and lighting has been particularly praised. In 2010, the German Film Archive restored **Metropolis** to its original 1927 version, and the film was re-released in theaters around the world. The film's significance was recognized by the **UNESCO** in 2013, when it was added to the **UNESCO Memory of the World Register**. **INFOBOX:** - Name: **Metropolis** - Type: Science fiction film - Date: 1927 - Location: Germany - Known For: Groundbreaking science fiction film that explores themes of class struggle and technological advancement **TAGS:** Science fiction, German cinema, **Fritz Lang**, **Thea von Harbou**, **UFA**, **Metropolis**, **Brigitte Helm**, **Alfred Abel**, **Gustav Fröhlich**, **Blade Runner**, **Star Wars**, **The Matrix**, **UNESCO**, **UNESCO Memory of the World Register**