Metropolis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Metropolis is a 1927 science fiction film directed by Fritz Lang, starring Gustav Fröhlich, Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel. It drew a wide audience and shaped its genre.
Plot
In the future, wealthy industrialists and business magnates and their top employees reign over the city of Metropolis from colossal skyscrapers, while underground-dwelling workers toil to operate the great machines that power it. Joh Fredersen is the city's master. His son, Freder, idles away his time at sports and in a pleasure garden, but is interrupted by the arrival of a young woman named Maria, who has brought a group of workers' children to witness the lifestyle of their rich "brothers". Maria and the children are ushered away, but Freder becomes fascinated by her. Against the strict rules of the city, he enters the lower levels to search for her.
Production
Written by Fritz Lang and Thea von Harbou, the film was produced by UFA. Gottfried Huppertz composed the score. Günther Rittau handled the cinematography. The film runs 148 minutes. The crew and editing refined every shot.
Reception
On a budget of $5,300,000, Metropolis grossed $1,350,322 worldwide at the box office. A critic consensus praised its screenplay and score.
Legacy
Its legacy endures through a remake, a sequel and a lasting franchise; later cinema cites its influence and symbolism.
See also
References
- "The 100 Greatest Films of All Time". topfilms100. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- Ebert, Roger. The Great Movies. Broadway Books.
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