Metropolis is one of the sci-fi movies that is always referenced in a Discovery Channel or TLC documentary on the history of films and/or science fiction. The only ‘clip’ of Metropolis shown is the huge sky scrapers nearly blocking out the sun and high level roads and airplanes streaming the sky. My impression was that this was the only film footage that remained of the 1927 classic. However, to my surprise, I saw ‘Metropolis’ on the marquee of the Normal Theater. Before viewing the film, I had to get more information. What I found regarding Metropolis was both stunning and depressing.
The total accuracy of the information is questionable. However, my understanding is that the original film ran over 3 hours long. Through the ravages of time and disrespect, the film had been cut down to versions less than 90 minutes long. I also learned that the most recent release of Metropolis was more that of a ‘rock opera’ worthy of MTV than that of a classic movie house.
To my stunning pleasure, Normal Theater would have nothing of this disrespect. The 123 minute version I viewed was the most accurate, fully restored, full length version of the legendary classic. This includes the original 1927 orchestral score! Yes, the ravages of time have caused the loss of nearly 1/4 of the original film. However, in this stunning re-release, effort is taken to ‘fill in the blanks’ with story cards at the precise moments where the missing film occur. The plot flows with all of the gaps filled.
The story of Metropolis is a freighting one. It reflects the political arguments we have today – the alleged growing gap between rich and poor and the elimination of the ‘middle class.’ Workers who keep the city running live below and work in sweat shops while those with power live high atop penthouses above the city. When the son of the city ‘leader’ discovers how the working class is treated, he heads to the ‘machine’ factory to be with the workers. In the process he finds a beautiful woman deep below the city who takes care of the worker’s children while the workers are slaving over their labor. The ‘leader’ soon learns of his son’s exploits and hires a mad scientist to create a robot in the woman’s likeness to head to the factories below to destroy any hint of rebellion.
This movie is considered one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. It is so hard and unfair to attempt to compare Metropolis to the bloated budget special effect blockbusters of today. After all, how many full length SILENT movies have people seen? This was my first, and most likely my last (not by choice but by availability). With this in mind, I cleared my mind and attempted to vision the reaction of the crowds of 1927.
In this light I can say that Metropolis was an awesome movie! It’s fun to see the actors ‘over react’ to things so the audience can follow the plot. The obsession of make-up on the faces of the cast is a hoot. But I was surprised how few story cards were really necessary to follow the plot. For 123 minutes I sat their riveted to the characters as if I had full sound. I was fully concerned about the plight of the characters involved.
The most stunning thing about Fritz Lang’s Metropolis is the painstaking detail and special effects. There are thousands of extras, huge sets, flooding water, and crumbling buildings. The mad scientist scene where the robot comes to life is fantastic. I can honestly now say I know exactly where all of the future sci-fi movies obtained their influence. Hollywood’s Frankenstein was born of this movie. More recently, Blade Runner, the Metropolis of Batman, Dark City, and The Fifth Element.
To see this ‘historic’ movie in it’s closest to the original form was a wonderful experience. I now have a sense of history and the evolution of classic film making. I encourage everyone to see this film (the original version – and music) if given the opportunity.
