UPON METROPOLIS
By Alex Ness
Sometimes one looks at the surface and sees exactly what was shown to them. But in the different layers, the deeper fathoms, they might instead learn that allegorical stories require patience and discernment. This tale, Metropolis, was made to teach visually of the themes of the fallen world. Rather than saying tsk tsk, and shaking a finger at the subject, the movie tells a story of what human souls can do, despite demands upon their conformity. It shows rather than suggest that even if the masters of society wish so, by replacing humans with technology, with cyborgs, with complete ownership of the wishes of others the human mind and heart are the reason we exist. If one steals our labor and demands conformity, we will no longer exist.
The rebellion isn't from Socialism, Communism, Capitalism or Anarchism. It is the human soul finally finding courage to be its own self, rather than conform to others and abandoned being an individual.
Fritz Lang and Thea Von Harbou co-created this classic work. It was not immediately embraced. Some critics looked at it as being propaganda for communism or socialism. Others saw the work as being a warning against technology, a way to demonize both the wealthy masters of industry as well as threatening laborers with replacement. And some never understood anything deeper than a city of works, robots and threats to the future. Conformity to a evil leadership could be a problem addressed, but in Metropolis the people are exhausted, forced to labor for a leader. It isn't the workers fault, they are bound to be in the system that controls them. But conformity to an average person model for living might lead to a system of doing what one does, because they cannot see beyond their own lives.
There are numerous layers in Metropolis. Along with empty lives and evil rulers, there is also the babble of different goals and not being able to communicate to others, because we cannot agree upon the final language we shall all use. From the film: "One man's hymns of praise became other men's curses. People spoke the same language, but could not understand each other."
The lead female actor Maria captures the truth "There can be no understanding between the hand and the head unless the heart acts as mediator."
