Metropolis

METROPOLIS is a 1927 science- fiction film which influences designers, filmmakers and animators till date; due to its elaborate special effects and set design, ranging from huge gothic cathedral to a futuristic cityscape. In the set of this silent movie there are a lot of high walls and doors, narrow hallways and skyscrapers; for the 1920s this was somewhat futuristic set. However other aspects of the film seemed wonderland like, for example the gardens, this is mainly because of the abstract shapes and sets created. The gardens reminded me of Alice in wonderland due to the fact that the plants look much larger than normal as they are walking under them; and the huge fountain; creating a surreal atmosphere. One the other hand the factories have a very prison feel with the lifts having long bars. Workers with the same uniform and repetitive movement as though they are robots (and being controlled). There was a part in the film where the workers had their back against the cameras and they were all working in unison and it looked as though it was one person (or the same person). Their robotic movement in the space reminded me a lot of the umpa lumpas in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. However the workers in the metropolis are portrayed more like slaves to emphasize the strict division between the two classes management and workers. It seems as though the film was inspired by Egyptian architectures and this is mainly shown in the factories and the machines. Fritz Lang has used a lot of stairs within the film; maybe this was to create more dramatic scenes; furthermore another aspect of the film that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland is the small hallway with several doors Hall of doors; this creates more suspense especially as this is when Maria has been kidnapped; the doors doesnt make it easier. The dark and narrow hallways create that spooky mood especially when Maria is been chased by this bright beam of light. There is a clear link between this film and many after. the set is remarkable; the affects used and lighting helps create the mood of the film.

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