Metropolis: Class Discussion

     Within the 1927 film, Metropolis, I found that throughout the entirety of the film the central theme focused on was class struggle and its connection to the symbolism of the head, heart, and hands. Displayed within the futuristic society throughout the city, the audience can easily identify the poor treatment of the lower working class and their "robotic-like" motions in comparison to the well-established respected upper class. Using religious symbolism, modernized architecture, and a clear separation between the individual and the masses, the audience can further establish the blurring lines between a dystopian and utopian society and its alluding premonition of the triumphs and perils to come within our modern-day society. The dramatized music, clothes, and settings continue to enhance the mood and narrative establishing the complete and utter lack of connection between the two classes. This can specifically be seen through the connection of the Tower of Babel within the film. As the biblical story relays, though all people spoke the same language they were unable to communicate thereby causing a disconnect between all individuals. This lack of care and identity given to the working class provide a direct relation to the presentation of slave labor within our society and the lack of rights and individuality established early on in America. Another aspect of the film that remained a central theme was the sexualization and objectification of Maria as a representation of the female. Through the manipulation and cloning of Maria, one can establish that this reinstates the intention of the creator to display the woman’s role within society completely at the disposal of the man.