Metropolis

Director Fritz Lang’s 1927 film, Metropolis is a highly influential silent science fiction masterpiece. Metropolis depicts a highly stylized futuristic city in which a glimmering utopia rests above a dismal underworld wherein nameless laborers toil beneath the streets. Their work powers the towering aristocrats’ life of leisure in the cultured utopia. 

Freder is the son of the governor of the city. Freder sparks revolt when he finds himself one day venturing into one of the underground factories. There, he meets Maria, played by Brigitte Helm, who opens his eyes to the desire of the masses for a mediator between classes. Meanwhile, Freder’s father has employed the mad inventor Rotwang, who lives in isolation amidst the skyscrapers. Rotwang creates a female robot that the governor intends to use to infiltrate the working class by giving it the face of Maria. Helm casts herself wholeheartedly into her dual role, playing both the thoughtful Maria and the malevolent android with great aplomb.

Lang being a master of his silent domain utilizes mise en scene to its fullest, creating a work of storytelling genius in every frame. However, the movie is far from being all visual spectacle.