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Reimagining 'Metropolis' — A colorful take on the city of future
A timeless classic that showcases the vision of a future dominated by technology, Metropolis (1927) remains relevant to this day.
As this sci-fi film is set to enter the public domain this year, we reimagine how it will look — still futuristic — but now with the added wonder of color.
Get ready to delve into the world of Metropolis, alongside ten fun facts about the film.
As this sci-fi film is set to enter the public domain this year, we reimagine how it will look — still futuristic — but now with the added wonder of color.
Get ready to delve into the world of Metropolis, alongside ten fun facts about the film.
The original cut of Metropolis was over three hours long but was shortened for its premiere and much of the footage was lost over time.
It was one of the most expensive films of its time, with a budget estimated at over five million Reichsmmarks (~USD 12,500,000).
The iconic design of the robot in the film was inspired by the Greek myth of Pygmalion, with the robot being created in the image of its creator's dead son.
The film’s robot inspired George Lucas' creation of C-3PO in Star Wars.
The film's depiction of a city divided between workers and the ruling class was based on the Tower of Babel, which appears in the film as the symbol of the city's social structure.
The character Maria was modelled after silent film star Brigitte Helm — who was just 17 years old at the time of filming.
The film's score, composed by Gottfried Huppertz, was performed live during the film's premiere.
The design of the city of Metropolis was based on the contemporary architecture and urban planning of Berlin.
The movie was banned by the Nazi party for its negative portrayal of technology and social hierarchies.
The film has been restored and re-released several times, with new discoveries of lost footage leading to new interpretations of the film's story and themes.
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