A Historic Date In Film History

 

1927 theatrical release poster

On this day in 1927, Fritz Lang's film, Metropolis, premiered in Berlin. Almost a century later it remains one of the most defining works in motion picture history. As you watch Metropolis, your will see science fiction film history from Frankenstein (1931) to Blade Runner (1982) to the Terminator franchise. Then there's the influence on film noir, but I'll will leave you to discover that on your own. 

Furthermore, the film is a dramatic visual feast of interest to those who enjoy history, politics, economics, art, architecture, and urban studies. In 2008 a complete 16mm reduction of the film was discovered in Argentina. Two years later a complete restoration of that footage, including about 25 minutes of film that went undiscovered for 80 years and editorial changes that that brought the film very close to the final print shown in Berlin in 1927, premiered in Berlin.

In this scene the scientist, Rotwang, transforms his "Maschinenmenach" into an evil duplicate of Maria, a beautiful and innocent woman who lives in a vast worker's city beneath the towers of prosperity that rise above it.

When you see Rotwang at work in his laboratory, you are looking at the model for 85 years of madmen, laboratories, set design, and cinematography in science fiction films. If you like science fiction, if you want to know what you're in for if you choose to invest 150 minutes to watch the film, the Wikipedia entry explains all, but you may want to avoid reading the plot. 

The conclusion is simply that I really appreciate this film and its message. It is a masterpiece and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.