Discovered Movies: Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" - Resurfaced Cinematographic Artworks
In January 1927, Fritz Lang's groundbreaking silent film, Metropolis, premiered in Berlin, marking the start of a turbulent journey for this ambitious production. Despite its pharaonic production—with nearly 36,000 extras, over a year of filming, and a budget of 6 million reichsmarks—the release was a flop, with only 15,000 admissions reported[2].
The film, set in a futuristic, bipolar megacity, depicted a stark contrast between the high city, where the elite enjoyed unbridled luxury, and the low city, where workers toiled in harsh conditions[4]. Metropolis was an impossible love story across classes, showcasing great technical mastery and remarkable modernity[5]. However, audiences and critics found it difficult to grasp, and the film did not live up to its promising premise[1][3].
The modern, expressionistic style and heavy social commentary alienated some viewers, while the innovative special effects and futuristic set designs, though groundbreaking, may have overwhelmed contemporary audiences[1]. As a result, Metropolis suffered from poor initial reception, despite later recognition of its influence and importance in film history[1].
To save face, Universum Film AG, the studio that produced and distributed Metropolis, recut the film to shorten it and simplify the plot[3]. This recut version was the one distributed worldwide[4]. The recut version was released a few months later in Germany, but the damage had already been done. Universum Film AG faced bankruptcy due to the film's poor performance[6].
Despite its initial failure, Metropolis has since become highly influential and revered in cinema[3]. Its visionary ideas, technical innovations, and ambitious scope have inspired countless filmmakers, solidifying its place as a classic in the history of cinema.
References: 1. The Criterion Collection: Metropolis 2. BFI: Metropolis 3. The Directors: Fritz Lang - Metropolis 4. The Guardian: Metropolis - The film that was too modern for its time 5. The Art of the Film: Metropolis 6. The New Yorker: Metropolis
- The groundbreaking film Metropolis, with its visionary ideas and technical innovations, continues to influence movies-and-tv and entertainment today.
- Despite its initial flop, the revolutionary film Metropolis is now hailed as a monumental piece of entertainment history, showcasing expressionistic style and heavy social commentary that resonates even today.
