Fritz Lang's futuristic film Metropolis is released in Germany.

Friedrich Christian Anton "Fritz" Lang (December 5, 1890 – August 2, 1976) was a towering figure in cinematic history, renowned for his work as an Austrian-German-American film director, screenwriter, and occasional producer and actor. His prolific career spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on both European and Hollywood cinema. Lang was a prominent figure among the wave of cinematic émigrés from Germany's groundbreaking school of Expressionism, a movement characterized by its stylized sets, exaggerated performances, and exploration of psychological states. His mastery of visual storytelling and often dark, complex themes earned him the fitting moniker "Master of Darkness" from the British Film Institute.

Among Lang's extensive filmography, several titles stand out as groundbreaking and profoundly influential. His 1927 magnum opus, the futuristic epic Metropolis, redefined the science fiction genre and remains a visual marvel. Four years later, he directed the chilling psychological thriller M (1931), a film now recognized as a vital precursor to the film noir genre, notably for its innovative use of sound before his eventual relocation to the United States. Other significant works from his German period include the epic fantasy Die Nibelungen (1924) and the two-part crime thriller Dr. Mabuse the Gambler (1922). Upon moving to Hollywood, Lang continued to direct critically acclaimed films such as Fury (1936), a powerful indictment of mob justice; the crime drama You Only Live Once (1937); the wartime thriller Hangmen Also Die! (1943); and quintessential film noirs like The Woman in the Window (1944), Scarlet Street (1945), and the gritty The Big Heat (1953).

Metropolis: A Landmark of German Expressionist Cinema

Metropolis, released in 1927, stands as a seminal German expressionist science-fiction drama film, expertly directed by Fritz Lang. The screenplay, developed by Lang in collaboration with Thea von Harbou, was based on von Harbou's 1925 novel of the same name and was conceived as a treatment for the film. This monumental silent film features iconic performances by Gustav Fröhlich, Alfred Abel, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, and Brigitte Helm in her breakout role. Produced by Erich Pommer for Universum Film AG (UFA) at the legendary Babelsberg Studios – one of the world's oldest large-scale film studios – Metropolis pushed the boundaries of cinematic artistry and technology.

As one of the first feature-length movies within the burgeoning science fiction genre, Metropolis established many visual tropes and narrative conventions that would influence countless films for decades to come. Its production was an ambitious undertaking, spanning 17 months of filming between 1925 and 1926. The financial investment was staggering for its time, exceeding five million Reichsmarks, which was roughly equivalent to $19 million (USD) in the 1920s, making it the most expensive film produced in Germany during the Weimar Republic.

Artistry and Allegory: The World of Metropolis

Set in a sprawling, futuristic urban dystopia, Metropolis vividly portrays a society rigidly divided between an elite class of intellectuals who live in magnificent skyscrapers and the vast working class toiling in the dark, subterranean factories. The narrative follows Freder, the privileged son of Joh Fredersen, the city's ruthless master, and Maria, a compassionate and saintly figure who inspires hope among the workers. Their intertwined journeys depict attempts to bridge the vast chasm separating the social classes and to achieve reconciliation between the oppressive industrialist and his exploited workforce. The film's overarching message, both idealistic and poignant, is encapsulated in its famous final inter-title: "The Mediator Between the Head and the Hands Must Be the Heart." This encapsulates Lang's vision of harmony achieved through empathy and understanding, rather than revolution.

Reception, Criticism, and the Quest for Restoration

Upon its initial release, Metropolis garnered a decidedly mixed reception. While critics universally lauded its breathtaking visual beauty and powerful aesthetic, especially the visionary art direction by Otto Hunte, Erich Kettelhut, and Karl Vollbrecht, its narrative was often deemed naive. The film's design drew eclectic influences from diverse artistic movements including opera, Bauhaus, Cubist, and Futurist design principles, seamlessly blending them with evocative touches of the Gothic in scenes set within the catacombs, the grand cathedral, and the eccentric inventor Rotwang's house. The complex special effects, revolutionary for their time, also received widespread acclaim. However, the story itself faced criticism for its perceived simplicity, with literary figures such as H. G. Wells famously describing the film as "silly," and The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction calling the narrative "trite" and its politics "ludicrously simplistic." The film's alleged Communist message, though often interpreted more broadly as a plea for social reconciliation, also became a point of contention. Furthermore, its original extensive running time contributed to the criticism, leading to significant cuts shortly after its German premiere, and resulting in incomplete versions being distributed worldwide.

The fragmented nature of Metropolis haunted film historians and enthusiasts for decades, prompting numerous attempts at restoration since the 1970s. A notable, albeit controversial, effort came in 1984 when Italian music producer Giorgio Moroder released a truncated version of the film accompanied by a modern rock soundtrack featuring artists like Freddie Mercury, Loverboy, and Adam Ant, reintroducing the film to a new generation. In 2001, a significant reconstruction was showcased at the Berlin Film Festival, incorporating newly found footage and providing a more complete viewing experience than previously available.

The most pivotal moment in the film's restoration history occurred in 2008 when a severely damaged print of Lang's original cut was astonishingly discovered in a museum in Argentina. This discovery, though a triumph, presented significant challenges, as the material was heavily damaged and, having been printed on 16mm film stock, did not possess the full-aperture silent picture ratio of the original 35mm prints. To preserve the scale of the restored footage, the missing portions of the frame were deliberately rendered as black areas, with these black frames specifically indicating sections where footage remained lost. Following an arduous and meticulous restoration process that involved combining the Argentine print with additional materials from a print found in New Zealand, 95% of the film was successfully restored. This near-complete version of Metropolis premiered simultaneously on large screens in Berlin and Frankfurt on February 12, 2010, marking a monumental achievement in film preservation.

The Enduring Legacy of Metropolis

Today, Metropolis is unequivocally celebrated as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. Its profound impact on the science fiction genre, art direction, and special effects is immeasurable, inspiring countless subsequent works including iconic films like Blade Runner, Star Wars, and numerous music videos and architectural designs. Its critical standing has solidified over time, ranking 35th in Sight & Sound's prestigious 2012 critics' poll of the greatest films. Recognizing its immense cultural and historical significance, Metropolis achieved a unique distinction in 2001 by becoming the first film ever to be inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, a testament to its enduring importance as documentary heritage for all humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fritz Lang and Metropolis

Who was Fritz Lang?
Fritz Lang was an influential Austrian-German-American film director, screenwriter, and producer, active from the 1920s to the 1960s. He was a key figure in German Expressionist cinema and later became a prominent director in Hollywood, known for his dark themes, psychological depth, and innovative visual style, earning him the nickname "Master of Darkness."
What is German Expressionism in film?
German Expressionism was an artistic movement that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century, characterized by distorted, exaggerated visuals, stylized acting, and thematic explorations of psychology, alienation, and social unrest. In film, it manifested through highly stylized sets, dramatic lighting, and often unsettling narratives to convey subjective emotional states rather than objective reality.
What is Metropolis known for?
Metropolis (1927) is known as a pioneering science fiction film, a masterpiece of German Expressionist cinema, and one of the most expensive films of its era. It is celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects, visionary art direction, exploration of social class divisions, and its lasting influence on dystopian and science fiction genres.
What was the main message of Metropolis?
The core message of Metropolis, famously stated in its final inter-title, is "The Mediator Between the Head and the Hands Must Be the Heart." This conveys the film's plea for reconciliation and understanding between the ruling class (the "head") and the working class (the "hands") through empathy and human connection (the "heart"), rather than through conflict or revolution.
Why was Metropolis considered controversial upon its release?
Upon its release, Metropolis faced mixed reception. While praised for its visual spectacle, its narrative was often criticized as naive and simplistic. Some critics also debated its alleged Communist message, and its lengthy running time led to significant cuts, resulting in incomplete versions being shown for many decades.
How was the full version of Metropolis finally restored?
The near-complete restoration of Metropolis was achieved after a severely damaged print of Fritz Lang's original cut was discovered in a museum in Argentina in 2008. This print, combined with additional footage from a print found in New Zealand, allowed restorers to reconstruct approximately 95% of the original film. This meticulously restored version premiered in 2010.
What is the legacy of Metropolis?
Metropolis holds an enduring legacy as a cinematic masterpiece and a cornerstone of film history. It continues to influence filmmakers, artists, and designers, particularly within the science fiction and dystopian genres. Its cultural significance is underscored by its inscription on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2001, making it the first film to receive this honor.