Metropolis

The movie Metropolis continues to influence generations after its release back in 1927. The movie is a silent film that tells a story of a rich kid with a big heart who is lured by love to go explore the lower working class in search of the beautiful woman he seen. While he is exploring the workers’ city, he witnesses an explosion and becomes empathetic to the workers. He pleads with his father (The boss), but his words are dismissed and so is he. He then leaves behind his comforts to join the working class. Events quickly spiral out of control as sabotage is played out by the boss, even risking his own son. Chaos spreads until the mad scientist is defeated and the robot is seen. The boss has a change of heart, and the working class and boss make a deal with the son being the mediator.

Though my summary of this film was over simplified, the impact on the film industry was huge. Movies such as Frankenstein, Star Wars, The Matrix, Batman, and the Fifth Element, were all influenced by the film Metropolis. In the movie Batman, the city of Gotham got its look from Metropolis. Deeper than appearance is the class war between rich and working. This narrative is seen in many popular movies. I think that’s where the movie Metropolis really stands out. The theme of class war. A problem that is still relevant today as it ever was and that is why movies that portray it are popular. We all can relate to this.