An interesting allusion to Norse/Germanic mythology: Frederson's late wife is named 'Hel', after the goddess of the dead. Also, Rotwang's missing hand echoes that of Tyr, which was bitten off by the wolf Fenris.
With the 100th anniversary of METROPOLIS coming up, we can only hope that a big-screen re-release of the restored version will be considered. Since it was set in 2026, it would be fantastic to see this move on theatre screens. Cinephiles like me would go (RADIO!) GA-GA if that would happen. Let us hope!
@@RetroNerdGirl There WAS a big screen re-release in several cities a few years back when a nearly complete print of the film (which had been thought to be lost forever) and the entire orchestral score were discovered and brought together. It was (to use an already overused word) awesome.
I don't think it officially has a time setting. It depends on the version you watch. Some date it at 2026, some earlier, some much much later. I think in the original drafts of the story it was noted that the story didn't take place in any particular setting or time, past or future.
The acting in the silent movies was all connected to the art of mime. A lot of the great mime artists of that era didn’t make it to the “talkies” because they weren’t able to voice act.
Rotwang and Joh Fredersen worked together to make Metropolis, while they competed for the love of Hel, but she chose Joh and died in childbirth. Distraught with grief, Rotwang retreats to the Magician's house in an old part of the city and plots his revenge against the city, Freder and Joh. He built the Robot to bring down the city, so when Joh approaches him to have the Robot impersonate Maria in order to destroy her reputation and placate the workers, Rotwang subverts the plan and tells it to lead a rebellion to destroy the city. If you look at the symbolism of the movie it's clear that Joh Fredersen is the Head, Grot is the Hand, Freder is the Heart and Maria the Messenger. This makes Rotwang symbolize despair, heartbreak, selfishness, the occult, and the reckless pursuit of technological advancement, which gives birth to the Robot which is Chaos, Temptation, Sin and Destruction. Rotwang dies in the end, on holy ground because "the wages of sin is Death." The deeper meaning of the movie is a reflection of the Weimar Republic that was in social chaos. You had the Nazis and the Communists on the streets (both workers' parties at the time) fighting against the emerging class of capitalists built on German industry and and business. There wasn't any real leader, either, since the Kaizer had fled and the Weimar Parliament was considered weak and ineffectual at solving the conflict. They were looking for a true leader to come and lead Germany to a new and brighter future. Lang and his wife would seem to support the third option which was Christian Social Democracy, the "heart" that would bring about social cohesion between the workers' "hand" and capitalist "head" through Christian principles and not Marxist or Fascist ideology.
You can understand why the audience would have kept bursting into applause throughout different parts of the film. They must have been so amazed having prob never seen anything like it before, and proud their country had produced such an amazing piece of film.
This movie is amazing!! The sets, the design of the city, the music and Brigette Helm was fantastic in her Dual role. I haven't seen a lot of silent films but Metropolis is something incredibly special. Hopefully one day they find the rest of the footage but we're so lucky that most of it has been restored.
I remember back in 1995 we did a school trip with my class to the Babelsberg Filmstudios where Metropolis was originally shot. And the whole place had a magic & mysterious vibe and you could almost smell the history and feel the ghosts of the past around you everywhere. At one point we also had a little show element where the scene of the Man Machine coming alive was re-done with live 3D effects, animatronics and sounds. It blew me away and it even scared me a little bit. But that was the moment when i basically wanted to watch the film and shortly after that the 1984 Moroder version came on TV on a saturday morning. Needless to say that i was instantly hooked and back in 2001 i was watching a TV broadcast of the then longest restored version of the film. And when the newly restored version had its premiere, i was watching it live. Each time a new version appears, you experience the film all new again. One of my absolute most favorite movies.
Thank you so much. I thought this was initially going to be a generic plot review, but no. Great screen shots. Thoughtful realistic commentary. I saw an early version of the silent on public television. Then a friend invited me to see opening night of Moroder’s version. I was hooked. Thank you again!
I've watched about 10 different reviews and each one of them has said the movie was themed around a different plot, none of the others even mentioned the love angle for example. Amazing how many different interpretations there are from this classic!
What a thoughtful review! I first saw this movie I the basement of a church with a jazz band playing the music and last saw it at the Montreal opera house with the restored print and a full symphony orchestra. I can’t say how many versions of the film I bought over the years, but the latest restored version is just amazing and only missing a few minutes. Not everyone seems to silent film , including this one but it is one of the the most influential in all of cinema.
Awesome review. As I've gotten older I've begun watching more of the silent era, I've realized they're some of the most imaginative and original movies ever made, and some of the most entertaining
Proverbs 3:16-18 The Message The Very Tree of Life 13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. She’s worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary. Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. With one hand she gives long life, with the other she confers recognition. Her manner is beautiful, her life wonderfully complete. She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her. Hold her tight-and be blessed! Isaiah 41:10 Living Bible 10 Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.[a]
Hard question; Why is Futura so iconic and memorable during the scenes in which she is her undisguised robot form? Personally I think it's to do with her design, I can't think of a single female robot in all of sci-fi that resembles her, though I'll admit that it seems likely that C3-P0's design was at least in part influenced by her overall aesthetic.
(I know this comment is over a year ago, but!) In one of the interviews Lucas himself admitted that C3-PO's design was heavily influenced by the Machine-person from Metropolis:)
And also movies like blade runner and the gotham skyliners in batman from 1989 brazil and also watch madonna music video express yourself heavily influence by metropolis and also queen radio ga ga from 1984.:)
It's been weeks since I've watched this so I don't remember if you covered the real life love triangle between Fritz Lang, Thea Von Harbou and the actor playing Dr Rotwang. They were both married to Thea at different times very close to the making of this film. It reflects the on screen love triangle between Joh, Rotwang and Hel.
Metropolis: from all the comments I has seen, very little is dedicated to the to the philosophical and religious thoughts of the time. Remember the political reality for the first part of the century. Arts and literature were very revolutionary during this period. They are more interested in technical issues than the vision existed during the years.
Another hint that Rotwang has fallen, and was not always evil, the pentagram on his front door is the right way up, showing has original goodness as a creator/inventor. Another constant image in the film is that the people who live in the depths are frequently expressing themselves with arms reaching skyward, as if to signify their desperation at wanting to elevate their own lives out from darkness and despair.
The part that toke me the most was Moloch's. The impression stayed with me for hours after the movie, not to mention the soundtrack theme. For a silent movie, the music has to say a lot. Sad to see the Nazi fothermuckers doing exactly that a few years later and still is happening in a sense to this date.
The screenwriter, Thea von Harbou, went on to become a prolific Nazi propagandist until the Nazi regime was removed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thea_von_Harbou#Under_Nazi_rule
I love these earliest movies because they were still learning how to make movies. this is when they learned what worked and what didn't. They tried everything, often stuff we wouldn't even try today.
I Remember the '84 release... ('Metropolis' in '1984'! How Prosaic!) If I recall it helped trigger the 80's obsession with Vintage Film. (That & the fact that all the old Public Domain films were being released onto video tape! Love the review! Especially the take on the hand sacrifice & the ramifications of attaining a replacement! Reminiscent of the line in Sweeny Todd, 'at last my arm is complete!'.
I'm aware of the missing scenes (that apparently to this day, CAN'T Be restored much) found in...Argentina I think. BUT it could be re-shot using modern actors with the original's heads super imposed, & matched to the B & white quality of the time, (just as they de-aged Arnie in - TERMINATOR GENESIS & Michael Douglas in ANT MAN) to do this now would be easyer because your not dealing with colour. And of course the cinematography on METROPOLIS is very clear, better than on the 1933 KING KONG film 7 years later.
Im not even in the middle of the video and I have to say....You have really great "movie review"....great job, I get to know many things thanks to your video, thank you! :P
Greetings, Unfortunately, the Argentine print was copied from a dirty, scratched print. No attempts were made at the time to restore it before remastering. So the present Argentine 16mm edited portions are the best we will ever have. The dirt and scratches are now a part of the film. Unless a new old print surfaces somewhere... We must be satisfied with what we have. But I have seen several "final" versions of Metropolis since Giorgio Moroder's efforts. So... never say never when it comes to Metropolis!
Are you aware of the relationship of Moloch and the idol the hebrews made when Moses peace be on him. went to meet our Lord on the Mountain. The Statue they made was referrence from egyptians idols one of many. But take a closer look at Wikipedia and what the Statue is used for.
Мечты о яхтах и морях .......................... Я - белый корабль в беззвучной тюрьме, что выброшен бурей на вышние скалы иль высохли воды при жаркой весне, оставив на суше, на каменных жалах. Мечтаю о воле, о плаваньях вдаль. Быстрее бы сорок дней мощного ливня, чтоб я как морской флотоводец и царь увидел планету, где ясно и сытно! Но всё это - грёзы, шальные мечты. Мой корпус уже рассыхается, дряхнет. Лишь шторы-туманы и солнце, цветы меня оживляют в мечтаньях о яхтах. Царапанный лак подо мною блестит, простор не рябит и волны не бывает. А старый Господь всё дряхлеет, грустит, всё чаще сидит и от болей вздыхает. Он - древний тюремщик, охранник, герой. Надев чёрный китель, порой капитанит. Порою хмельной вспоминает про бой, про то, что командовал, хоть и был ранен... А я не видал ни сражений, ни флот. И это моё корабельное горе! Я жду, когда ветер иль Бог мой толкнёт, и я приземлюсь на цветастое море...
This is a great movie, very prophetic in many ways of AI stuff. Bridgitte Helm did an AMAZING job going from a sweet innocent saintly character to basically a satanic machine. Only thing that confused me was this: is Metropolis the only city in the world, and Frederson the only ruler? Have any of the slaves escaped to another city or country? There wasn’t enough time to do any of that in the movie, but I’d hope there was something in the novel explaining it
That is such an interesting question. I think Metropolis is the representation of any big city in a proposed future since it does share past references in history like the city of Babel and Egyptian slavery. There would be other places outside of Metropolis, but being poor, the slaves of the city don't know that there is another place to go or have the means to leave. I am just assuming that though. I am not sure it's in the book. Great question.😊
That's a great question. The book *does* mention that other cities exist, but we don't know much beyond that. The Thin Man tries to get Josephat out of the city by having him put on a plane, but he manages to escape. We see that Metropolis is surrounded by long stretches of field, and there are farmers there who don't even know about the city. I would guess that reaching another city by foot would be difficult simply because of the sheer distance it seems you would have to travel.
Its such a shame that Brigitte Helm lived until 1996 and apparently was never approached for an interview or remembrance about this classic masterpiece.
There's a version on RUclips that's got sound and dialogue that I should be insulted and upset over, but it's really great as well and I've watched it a few times actually.
I just saw it this week on tubi, The Version I saw was 2h 23m long, I think tubi has the directors cut. Oh okay I didn't pick up that it was 2026, I'll Make My review for 2026, And I'll Touch on what happened within the last 100 years. Well I think Joh is Pronounced Yo as it is short for Johann, But When I started reading his Name I Thought it was Pronounced Joe, So I'll let it slide. No Joh is not The Villain, The True Villain is Rotwang, And being German I think it's Pronounced Rot Vang as Ws in German have a V sound and Vs have an F sound so Volkswagen is Folks Vagen. This Film has a sort of Prince and The Pauper Vibe when Freder swaps places with Georgy #11811. Maria Translates to Mary, which is the name of The Virgin Mother and Maria is called a saint later on in the film. The very first Chroma Key was The Sodium Vapor Process used in such Disney films as The Alice Comedies of the 1920s, Mary Poppins (1964) and Pete's Dragon (1977).
The number of 25,000 extras is a myth. And wasn't it shot in Ireland? So the children would be Irish. The film was cut so they could show more films a night and make more money. And the USA version was not only shortened but had a completely different story.
Metropolis was the main inspiration for, and features heavily in the awesome 1984 music video for the the Queen song "Radio Gaga". ruclips.net/video/azdwsXLmrHE/видео.html Radio Gaga was re-popularized by the recent "Bohemian Rhapsody " movie, was one of the key songs performed at the 1985 "Live Aid" concert. Madonna also used the Metropolis theme for her 1989 music video for the song "Express Yourself". ruclips.net/video/GsVcUzP_O_8/видео.html
One version that you haven't mentioned is Metropolis Remix a fan made version with dialogue. Like every film goer we have either seen this movie in a clip subliminally or on RUclips or have tried to watch it and got lost as I did or watching it as part of a university course study along with citizen kane vertigo 2001 Pans labyrinth . I could never get totally immersed in the flood of this film always feeling an outsider . Metropolis Remix finally immersed me and I could feel the tale of the mediator and how prophetic and "Now" this film is In fact this film has not even fulfilled it's prophesy yet. It is eerily futuristic satanic blind slave driven masses bestow with awareness and the creation destroying the master. Dialogue gives it the 3rd dimension needed for those who like me gave up or for those who know and are smug in their knowledge that they might dismiss it as heracy Please watch it on RUclips and tell me what you think.
I like alot about what the Fan Remix version attempts with adding sound, losing the title cards, and tightening up the editing with some smart chronological restructuring. However, I don't think the colorization helps anything, and I don't care for the original Gottfried Huppertz music score at all. I find it way too distractingly busy and tonally inappropriate for serving the moody atmosphere of the imagery and narrative. Of the tens of specifically written scores that have been composed to accompany Metropolis, I think I'd probably use the Abel Korzeniowski composition. Keep it beautifully b&w monochrome, and slow the motion back down to its original natural 16 frames per second rate of projection. Also, I'd like a more polished and refined professional implementation of the added foley sound effects and voice acting (as well as dialogue writing for those voices). Ideally, it'd be great to get an overall upgraded sharpening, scratch removal, and re-stabilization - along with possibly employing similar techniques as Peter Jackson's WWI documenary "They Shall Not Grow Old" to actually digitally simulate connecting frames to create a 24fps natural fluidity of motion. But do not colorize it - it will never look better than keeping it b&w. To be honest, I always wanted an edit to use pre-existing music scores from the subsequent movies that Metropolis influenced. Primarily, I think music from "Dark City" (Trevor Jones), "Blade Runner" (Vangelis), and "Gattaca" (Michael Nyman) would make for a great sourced score soundtrack. Nothing that would date embarrassingly. So, basically I think the best possible version has yet to be seen. Better than Fritz Lang could have achieved at the time, but that which would still honor his artistic intentions with integrity and dignity as though perhaps the choices he would make now for seeing it released. I wouldn't personally want to toil on the task of accomplishing these technical feats, but if I were in position to commision it be done on a high level, I'd sure greenlight such a project for priority. If someone were really willing to put some money into it, what might come from such an effort could be an invaluable second shelf life to permeate imaginations for another hundred years!
Awesome review I subbed. This movie is awesome from a visual point. It's fascinating because it has so many symbolism and meanings and they can all mean the same. You know I just did a comparison video of this to The Hunger Games. I don't know if you would be interested to check it out and see what you think if your interested? See ya:)
Proverbs 3:16-18 The Message The Very Tree of Life 13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. She’s worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary. Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. With one hand she gives long life, with the other she confers recognition. Her manner is beautiful, her life wonderfully complete. She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her. Hold her tight-and be blessed! Isaiah 41:10 Living Bible 10 Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.[a]
An interesting allusion to Norse/Germanic mythology: Frederson's late wife is named 'Hel', after the goddess of the dead. Also, Rotwang's missing hand echoes that of Tyr, which was bitten off by the wolf Fenris.
With the 100th anniversary of METROPOLIS coming up, we can only hope that a big-screen re-release of the restored version will be considered. Since it was set in 2026, it would be fantastic to see this move on theatre screens. Cinephiles like me would go (RADIO!) GA-GA if that would happen. Let us hope!
Wow, yes! :)
@@RetroNerdGirl There WAS a big screen re-release in several cities a few years back when a nearly complete print of the film (which had been thought to be lost forever) and the entire orchestral score were discovered and brought together. It was (to use an already overused word) awesome.
No.No movie. It will be For REAL...
I don't think it officially has a time setting. It depends on the version you watch. Some date it at 2026, some earlier, some much much later. I think in the original drafts of the story it was noted that the story didn't take place in any particular setting or time, past or future.
The acting in the silent movies was all connected to the art of mime. A lot of the great mime artists of that era didn’t make it to the “talkies” because they weren’t able to voice act.
Oh yes! Great point. :)
Hmmm.
That is correct.
Rotwang and Joh Fredersen worked together to make Metropolis, while they competed for the love of Hel, but she chose Joh and died in childbirth. Distraught with grief, Rotwang retreats to the Magician's house in an old part of the city and plots his revenge against the city, Freder and Joh. He built the Robot to bring down the city, so when Joh approaches him to have the Robot impersonate Maria in order to destroy her reputation and placate the workers, Rotwang subverts the plan and tells it to lead a rebellion to destroy the city. If you look at the symbolism of the movie it's clear that Joh Fredersen is the Head, Grot is the Hand, Freder is the Heart and Maria the Messenger. This makes Rotwang symbolize despair, heartbreak, selfishness, the occult, and the reckless pursuit of technological advancement, which gives birth to the Robot which is Chaos, Temptation, Sin and Destruction. Rotwang dies in the end, on holy ground because "the wages of sin is Death."
The deeper meaning of the movie is a reflection of the Weimar Republic that was in social chaos. You had the Nazis and the Communists on the streets (both workers' parties at the time) fighting against the emerging class of capitalists built on German industry and and business. There wasn't any real leader, either, since the Kaizer had fled and the Weimar Parliament was considered weak and ineffectual at solving the conflict. They were looking for a true leader to come and lead Germany to a new and brighter future. Lang and his wife would seem to support the third option which was Christian Social Democracy, the "heart" that would bring about social cohesion between the workers' "hand" and capitalist "head" through Christian principles and not Marxist or Fascist ideology.
Oh shit. This movie takes place in 5 years
You can understand why the audience would have kept bursting into applause throughout different parts of the film. They must have been so amazed having prob never seen anything like it before, and proud their country had produced such an amazing piece of film.
This movie is amazing!! The sets, the design of the city, the music and Brigette Helm was fantastic in her Dual role. I haven't seen a lot of silent films but Metropolis is something incredibly special. Hopefully one day they find the rest of the footage but we're so lucky that most of it has been restored.
Which music though? There's many different scored versions.
Wow! I just said as much elsewhere! I agree with you. Helm is amazing!
The original score. Which she mentions in the video. Pay attention
A full copy was found in a museum in Argentina, in 2010.
I remember back in 1995 we did a school trip with my class to the Babelsberg Filmstudios where Metropolis was originally shot. And the whole place had a magic & mysterious vibe and you could almost smell the history and feel the ghosts of the past around you everywhere. At one point we also had a little show element where the scene of the Man Machine coming alive was re-done with live 3D effects, animatronics and sounds. It blew me away and it even scared me a little bit. But that was the moment when i basically wanted to watch the film and shortly after that the 1984 Moroder version came on TV on a saturday morning. Needless to say that i was instantly hooked and back in 2001 i was watching a TV broadcast of the then longest restored version of the film. And when the newly restored version had its premiere, i was watching it live. Each time a new version appears, you experience the film all new again. One of my absolute most favorite movies.
Thank you so much.
I thought this was initially going to be a generic plot review, but no.
Great screen shots.
Thoughtful realistic commentary.
I saw an early version of the silent on public television.
Then a friend invited me to see opening night of Moroder’s version. I was hooked.
Thank you again!
You're very welcome! And thanks for the compliments!😊
I've watched about 10 different reviews and each one of them has said the movie was themed around a different plot, none of the others even mentioned the love angle for example. Amazing how many different interpretations there are from this classic!
There was a robot in here that looked like the yellow robot from star wars
What a thoughtful review! I first saw this movie I the basement of a church with a jazz band playing the music and last saw it at the Montreal opera house with the restored print and a full symphony orchestra. I can’t say how many versions of the film I bought over the years, but the latest restored version is just amazing and only missing a few minutes. Not everyone seems to silent film , including this one but it is one of the the most influential in all of cinema.
Awesome review. As I've gotten older I've begun watching more of the silent era, I've realized they're some of the most imaginative and original movies ever made, and some of the most entertaining
The introduction of the videophone in this movie
Fun fact, Queen bought the rights to a bit of the film so they could use it in their Radio Gaga video.
That was because they scored the entire film. Check the mid 80s release
@@biancachristie actually Giorgio Moroder scored the '80s reinterpretation.
Ebbhead very interesting. I liked that video. And the movie. One of my favorite s.
Proverbs 3:16-18 The Message
The Very Tree of Life
13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight-and be blessed!
Isaiah 41:10 Living Bible
10 Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.[a]
Hard question; Why is Futura so iconic and memorable during the scenes in which she is her undisguised robot form? Personally I think it's to do with her design, I can't think of a single female robot in all of sci-fi that resembles her, though I'll admit that it seems likely that C3-P0's design was at least in part influenced by her overall aesthetic.
(I know this comment is over a year ago, but!) In one of the interviews Lucas himself admitted that C3-PO's design was heavily influenced by the Machine-person from Metropolis:)
@@Yuumiiiiiiiii neat. I faintly remembered that myself but I wasn't sure whether I just imagined it or if it was true.
Robocop, Terminator, C3-P0... anyone??? Excellent movie!!! Part of the historical patrimony of humanity.
And also movies like blade runner and the gotham skyliners in batman from 1989 brazil and also watch madonna music video express yourself heavily influence by metropolis and also queen radio ga ga from 1984.:)
It's been weeks since I've watched this so I don't remember if you covered the real life love triangle between Fritz Lang, Thea Von Harbou and the actor playing Dr Rotwang. They were both married to Thea at different times very close to the making of this film. It reflects the on screen love triangle between Joh, Rotwang and Hel.
Rotwang was the Mastermind behind the scenes...Rotwang the Inventor...
interesting and informative explanation, thanks. One of the greatest films, and so are the sets.
TWO MORE YEARS!!!!
TWO MORE YEARS!!!!
I'm hyped for this Film going into the Public Domain Soon
TWO MORE YEARS!
TWO MORE YEARS!!!!
Metropolis: from all the comments I has seen, very little is dedicated to the to the philosophical and religious thoughts of the time. Remember the political reality for the first part of the century. Arts and literature were very revolutionary during this period. They are more interested in technical issues than the vision existed during the years.
Another hint that Rotwang has fallen, and was not always evil, the pentagram on his front door is the right way up, showing has original goodness as a creator/inventor. Another constant image in the film is that the people who live in the depths are frequently expressing themselves with arms reaching skyward, as if to signify their desperation at wanting to elevate their own lives out from darkness and despair.
Outstanding review. Thanks, JAS
The 1984 edit was my introduction to the film. "Blood from a Stone" really expressed the hardships of the workers who tended Moloch.
Such a sad song. Depicting the workers and their sacrifice to feed their families.
The scary part of this movie is that it predicted or projected transhumance
I just rewatched this classic tonight. It is so relevant today. It's amazing that it takes place in 2026.
The part that toke me the most was Moloch's. The impression stayed with me for hours after the movie, not to mention the soundtrack theme. For a silent movie, the music has to say a lot. Sad to see the Nazi fothermuckers doing exactly that a few years later and still is happening in a sense to this date.
The screenwriter, Thea von Harbou, went on to become a prolific Nazi propagandist until the Nazi regime was removed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thea_von_Harbou#Under_Nazi_rule
Loved when the robot slowly winked to suggest understanding to what was asked of her by her master.
Very creepy and yet very human.
I seriously love this movie so much
Great review. Lots of useful insights and very thorough. Bravissimo!
Thank you! 😊
The length of the film made that distinct impression-
I love these earliest movies because they were still learning how to make movies. this is when they learned what worked and what didn't. They tried everything, often stuff we wouldn't even try today.
That is precisely why I love them too! :D
Have you thought of reviewing Fritz Lang's other great SF movie, "Frau Im Mond" aka "Woman in the Moon"?
Oh yes! It's on my list. It's such a lovely movie that I just had to own a copy. :)
i loved this review!!! I haven't seen this yet, but especially after hearing your review, i just have to!!
Oh I think you'll love it. There are a few versions you can watch right here on RUclips you can watch for free if you've got about 2 hours available.
Really that would be awesome!!! I feel like silent films impact you more because you have to bring more of your imagination to them.
I really like it. Such an interesting story.
Have you read the book ?
A real treat for me coming up. Gonna see the restored version in full in a couple of months time with a sound track of live music (luxury)
Wish they made impressionistic films now.
1 of my all time favorites. The SFX stand up very well.
I’m glad I found you retro nerd girl!!
It's also in Eric B and Rakim's Paid in Full music video. Which is where i've learned about this movie.
Eric B and Rakim. That's a throwback. I've got to check it out. Thanks for the info. :)
@@RetroNerdGirl Anytime. ;)
I Remember the '84 release... ('Metropolis' in '1984'! How Prosaic!) If I recall it helped trigger the 80's obsession with Vintage Film. (That & the fact that all the old Public Domain films were being released onto video tape!
Love the review! Especially the take on the hand sacrifice & the ramifications of attaining a replacement! Reminiscent of the line in Sweeny Todd, 'at last my arm is complete!'.
Good review.
I'm aware of the missing scenes (that apparently to this day, CAN'T Be restored much) found in...Argentina I think. BUT it could be re-shot using modern actors with the original's heads super imposed, & matched to the B & white quality of the time, (just as they de-aged Arnie in - TERMINATOR GENESIS & Michael Douglas in ANT MAN) to do this now would be easyer because your not dealing with colour. And of course the cinematography on METROPOLIS is very clear, better than on the 1933 KING KONG film 7 years later.
Im not even in the middle of the video and I have to say....You have really great "movie review"....great job, I get to know many things thanks to your video, thank you! :P
Thank you for the encouragement!!! :)
Hopefully there will be a project to clean up the 16mm footage that discovered in Argentina and added to the current version. Great review BTW.
Greetings, Unfortunately, the Argentine print was copied from a dirty, scratched print. No attempts were made at the time to restore it before remastering. So the present Argentine 16mm edited portions are the best we will ever have. The dirt and scratches are now a part of the film. Unless a new old print surfaces somewhere... We must be satisfied with what we have. But I have seen several "final" versions of Metropolis since Giorgio Moroder's efforts. So... never say never when it comes to Metropolis!
I really like the New Pollutants rescore for the mostly complete restored film. It's available on youtube.
...was this influenced by the book 1984...or vice versa.....what year was George orwells book written-?!
1949. I can see the similarities.
Well done video....!
This is an amazing video! Thank you. I am a new sub as of now.
Thank you so much!😊
Are you aware of the relationship of Moloch and the idol the hebrews made when Moses peace be on him. went to meet our Lord on the Mountain. The Statue they made was referrence from egyptians idols one of many. But take a closer look at Wikipedia and what the Statue is used for.
Loved this movie in spite of some continuity bloopers! For it’s day brilliant effects
I really enjoy your "Nerdy" movie reviews.
Thank you so much!!!
Мечты о яхтах и морях
..........................
Я - белый корабль в беззвучной тюрьме,
что выброшен бурей на вышние скалы
иль высохли воды при жаркой весне,
оставив на суше, на каменных жалах.
Мечтаю о воле, о плаваньях вдаль.
Быстрее бы сорок дней мощного ливня,
чтоб я как морской флотоводец и царь
увидел планету, где ясно и сытно!
Но всё это - грёзы, шальные мечты.
Мой корпус уже рассыхается, дряхнет.
Лишь шторы-туманы и солнце, цветы
меня оживляют в мечтаньях о яхтах.
Царапанный лак подо мною блестит,
простор не рябит и волны не бывает.
А старый Господь всё дряхлеет, грустит,
всё чаще сидит и от болей вздыхает.
Он - древний тюремщик, охранник, герой.
Надев чёрный китель, порой капитанит.
Порою хмельной вспоминает про бой,
про то, что командовал, хоть и был ранен...
А я не видал ни сражений, ни флот.
И это моё корабельное горе!
Я жду, когда ветер иль Бог мой толкнёт,
и я приземлюсь на цветастое море...
This is a great movie, very prophetic in many ways of AI stuff. Bridgitte Helm did an AMAZING job going from a sweet innocent saintly character to basically a satanic machine. Only thing that confused me was this: is Metropolis the only city in the world, and Frederson the only ruler? Have any of the slaves escaped to another city or country? There wasn’t enough time to do any of that in the movie, but I’d hope there was something in the novel explaining it
That is such an interesting question. I think Metropolis is the representation of any big city in a proposed future since it does share past references in history like the city of Babel and Egyptian slavery. There would be other places outside of Metropolis, but being poor, the slaves of the city don't know that there is another place to go or have the means to leave. I am just assuming that though. I am not sure it's in the book. Great question.😊
That's a great question. The book *does* mention that other cities exist, but we don't know much beyond that. The Thin Man tries to get Josephat out of the city by having him put on a plane, but he manages to escape. We see that Metropolis is surrounded by long stretches of field, and there are farmers there who don't even know about the city.
I would guess that reaching another city by foot would be difficult simply because of the sheer distance it seems you would have to travel.
After the latest version which is the only legit way to watch the movie I laugh at anyone who even takes the old versions into account.
Its such a shame that Brigitte Helm lived until 1996 and apparently was never approached for an interview or remembrance about this classic masterpiece.
Wow! That's a shame.
There's a version on RUclips that's got sound and dialogue that I should be insulted and upset over, but it's really great as well and I've watched it a few times actually.
Now I understand where Bioshock got their inspiration from for their video games.
I just saw it this week on tubi, The Version I saw was 2h 23m long, I think tubi has the directors cut. Oh okay I didn't pick up that it was 2026, I'll Make My review for 2026, And I'll Touch on what happened within the last 100 years. Well I think Joh is Pronounced Yo as it is short for Johann, But When I started reading his Name I Thought it was Pronounced Joe, So I'll let it slide. No Joh is not The Villain, The True Villain is Rotwang, And being German I think it's Pronounced Rot Vang as Ws in German have a V sound and Vs have an F sound so Volkswagen is Folks Vagen. This Film has a sort of Prince and The Pauper Vibe when Freder swaps places with Georgy #11811. Maria Translates to Mary, which is the name of The Virgin Mother and Maria is called a saint later on in the film. The very first Chroma Key was The Sodium Vapor Process used in such Disney films as The Alice Comedies of the 1920s, Mary Poppins (1964) and Pete's Dragon (1977).
Excellent review!!!
Thank you kindly!
I'm here because of my assignment, thanks girl
Cheers needed this for uni
Cool! 😊
The number of 25,000 extras is a myth. And wasn't it shot in Ireland? So the children would be Irish.
The film was cut so they could show more films a night and make more money. And the USA version was not only shortened but had a completely different story.
Fritz Lang said the number of extras has been greatly exaggerated, there were never more than a few hundred.
My respect for the technical genius of this movie grows! Thanks for that corrected information. I appreciate that.😊
Radio Ga-Ga by Queen!!!
Great review. Ever planning to do Forbidden Planet?
Most definitely. It's such a classic as well. :)
This is great! Thank you!
You're very welcome!😊
Metropolis was the main inspiration for, and features heavily in the awesome 1984 music video for the the Queen song "Radio Gaga". ruclips.net/video/azdwsXLmrHE/видео.html
Radio Gaga was re-popularized by the recent "Bohemian Rhapsody " movie, was one of the key songs performed at the 1985 "Live Aid" concert.
Madonna also used the Metropolis theme for her 1989 music video for the song "Express Yourself". ruclips.net/video/GsVcUzP_O_8/видео.html
I'd like a modern take on this classic if there is not already one.
I believe there was an anime in the 1980's from Japan.
Great video
great vid, thank you
One version that you haven't mentioned is Metropolis Remix a fan made version with dialogue.
Like every film goer we have either seen this movie in a clip subliminally or on RUclips or have tried to watch it and got lost as I did or watching it as part of a university course study along with citizen kane vertigo 2001 Pans labyrinth .
I could never get totally immersed in the flood of this film
always feeling an outsider .
Metropolis Remix finally immersed me and I could feel the tale of the mediator and how prophetic and "Now" this film is
In fact this film has not even fulfilled it's prophesy yet.
It is eerily futuristic satanic blind slave driven masses bestow with awareness and the creation destroying the master.
Dialogue gives it the 3rd dimension needed for those who like me gave up or for those who know and are smug in their knowledge that they might dismiss it as heracy
Please watch it on RUclips and tell me what you think.
I never knew that existed. Thanks for recommending it. I will check it out. :)
I like alot about what the Fan Remix version attempts with adding sound, losing the title cards, and tightening up the editing with some smart chronological restructuring.
However, I don't think the colorization helps anything, and I don't care for the original Gottfried Huppertz music score at all. I find it way too distractingly busy and tonally inappropriate for serving the moody atmosphere of the imagery and narrative.
Of the tens of specifically written scores that have been composed to accompany Metropolis, I think I'd probably use the Abel Korzeniowski composition. Keep it beautifully b&w monochrome, and slow the motion back down to its original natural 16 frames per second rate of projection. Also, I'd like a more polished and refined professional implementation of the added foley sound effects and voice acting (as well as dialogue writing for those voices). Ideally, it'd be great to get an overall upgraded sharpening, scratch removal, and re-stabilization - along with possibly employing similar techniques as Peter Jackson's WWI documenary "They Shall Not Grow Old" to actually digitally simulate connecting frames to create a 24fps natural fluidity of motion. But do not colorize it - it will never look better than keeping it b&w.
To be honest, I always wanted an edit to use pre-existing music scores from the subsequent movies that Metropolis influenced. Primarily, I think music from "Dark City" (Trevor Jones), "Blade Runner" (Vangelis), and "Gattaca" (Michael Nyman) would make for a great sourced score soundtrack. Nothing that would date embarrassingly.
So, basically I think the best possible version has yet to be seen. Better than Fritz Lang could have achieved at the time, but that which would still honor his artistic intentions with integrity and dignity as though perhaps the choices he would make now for seeing it released.
I wouldn't personally want to toil on the task of accomplishing these technical feats, but if I were in position to commision it be done on a high level, I'd sure greenlight such a project for priority. If someone were really willing to put some money into it, what might come from such an effort could be an invaluable second shelf life to permeate imaginations for another hundred years!
Awesome review I subbed. This movie is awesome from a visual point. It's fascinating because it has so many symbolism and meanings and they can all mean the same. You know I just did a comparison video of this to The Hunger Games. I don't know if you would be interested to check it out and see what you think if your interested? See ya:)
Cool. Will do. :)
how old r u tho?
49.😊
neat 😊 im 31... i love classics...
Retro Nerd Girl you sound younger !
Proverbs 3:16-18 The Message
The Very Tree of Life
13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight-and be blessed!
Isaiah 41:10 Living Bible
10 Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.[a]
One of the biggest bores in the movie world.