The film is about "a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences".
The theme that is constantly woven throughout the movie is that "There can be no understanding between the hands and the brain unless the heart acts as mediator". This is played out through Freder, the son of the "brain" of Metropolis Joh Frederson. He experiences love at first sight when he see Maria bring up the children of the workers (the hands) of Metropolis to see their fellow brothers. This kicks Freder into his journey of discovery, not only of himself and love but of his father and the difference between classes. He finds his destiny along with Maria's help & love as the "heart" that joins the head & hands of Metropolis in the end.
Joe thought the movie was "meh" but for me it takes me back to high school where one of my favorite teachers used the film to show how the difference in classes has been portrayed not only through literature (it was an European Lit. class) but through film & art. I love the sets, costumes, use of make-up, the use of body language, everything that makes a Silent Film magic to me. It was a nice way to end my Sunday evening-Metropolis & Quinoa Puttanesca, what more can a vegan cinephile ask for?
Check out this epic classic listed as one of the 1,000 movies you must see before you die!
images courtesy this blog.
