Metropolisthemesandcontext.PDFVIP

Metropolis: themes and context Social and cultural contexts Metropolis is concerned with wider cultural and political issues, evidenced visually as well as thematically. The film’s social preoccupations have been described as a commentary on the political situation that existed in Germany at the time, but also served as a warning of where Germany was heading in the future. The film was made during Germany’s Weimar Republic; the country’s first attempt at creating a democracy in the very difficult years following the First World War. The economic and political aftermath of Germany’s defeat led to hyperinflation, revolts on the streets and a general sense of anxiety and dissatisfaction with the ruling powers. For the German people, cinema offered a means of escaping the hardships of daily life. Historical and sci-fi genres were popular at the time for their representations of other worlds and distant times. For Lang to make a realist film that dealt directly with the troubles of the day would not have pleased German audiences. Instead, he tapped into Germany’s power struggles, issues of poverty and conflict, and fears for the future, using an entirely constructed and heavily stylised futuristic landscape filled with symbolism and metaphors to convey political messages. Activities 1. Consider the opening of Metropolis. How are political messages conveyed in the opening scenes of the film? Consider the different cinematic techniques Lang uses to achieve the following: a. the relationship between the machinery and the workers b. the contrast in the way the workers and the sons of the rich are represented 2. Search online for images of Germany during the Weimar Republic to compare and contrast with the images in the film. Are the comparisons obvious? Despite the futuristic setting, in what ways do you think German audiences at the time may have identifie