Metropolis
TL;DR: Metropolis is a groundbreaking 1927 silent film that defined cinematic science fiction, introducing one of the earliest and most iconic AI robots in movie history while exploring themes of class, technology and the human soul.
Metropolis
Introduction
Metropolis (1927), directed by Fritz Lang, is one of the most influential films ever made and a foundational work of science fiction cinema. Released during the Weimar Republic era in Germany, the film depicts a towering futuristic city where wealthy elites live in luxury while workers toil deep underground. Central to its story is the Maschinenmensch, a robot capable of imitating a human being — an early cinematic exploration of artificial intelligence, identity and rebellion. Nearly a century later, Metropolis remains visually stunning, thematically profound and culturally essential.
Movie Details and Background
Production Details
Director: Fritz Lang
Screenwriter: Thea von Harbou
Studio: Universum Film (UFA)
Release Year: 1927
Budget: Enormous for its time, estimated at more than five million Reichsmarks
Runtime (original cut): Over 150 minutes, though many early releases were heavily edited
Metropolis was one of the most expensive and ambitious films of its era. Its production involved thousands of extras, massive expressionist sets, pioneering special effects and a scale rarely seen before or since in silent cinema.
Visual Effects and Design
The iconic robot was created by sculptor Walter Schulze-Mittendorff using molded plastic, plaster and metal elements.
Lang used groundbreaking techniques such as the Schüfftan process — an early form of optical compositing — to blend actors with miniatures.
The cityscapes inspired future films like Blade Runner, Star Wars and The Matrix.
Facts and Trivia
The robot, known as the Maschinenmensch, is often considered the “mother of all cinematic androids.”
Actress Brigitte Helm portrayed both the robot and the human Maria, showcasing remarkable range.
Despite its legendary status today, the film initially divided critics and struggled financially.
Many original scenes were lost for decades; major restoration efforts continued into the 21st century.
The film’s morality tale was influenced by Thea von Harbou’s interest in spirituality, the occult and political symbolism.
Critical Reception and Box Office
Upon release, Metropolis received mixed reviews — praised for its visual spectacle but criticized for its heavy-handed allegory. It also performed poorly at the box office due to its enormous budget and complex structure.
Over time, however, Metropolis has been reevaluated as one of the greatest movies ever made. It is now part of nearly every major list of essential films, including being listed in global heritage archives and film institute rankings.
Cultural Significance and Impact
Few films have influenced science fiction as deeply as Metropolis. Its legacy includes:
Establishing the visual language of futuristic megacities.
Introducing one of the earliest cinematic robots, influencing everything from C-3PO to modern android designs.
Inspiring generations of filmmakers, writers, and futurists.
Foreshadowing social themes such as class division, exploitation and the dehumanizing potential of industry.
Providing early commentary on human-machine identity, echoing modern debates about AI ethics and technological control.
Metropolis is more than a silent film — it is the blueprint for sci-fi worldbuilding.
Key Highlights
A pioneering vision of urban futurism and dystopia.
The Maschinenmensch, cinema’s first major humanoid robot.
Stunning expressionist set design and special effects.
A narrative that blends revolution, romance and mythological symbolism.
One of the most influential films in the history of science fiction.
Spoiler Alert: Plot Summary
Spoilers Below
The film is set in a sprawling megacity divided into two classes: the wealthy elite living in skyscrapers above and the oppressed workers living — and effectively imprisoned — far below.
The story follows Freder, son of the city’s ruler, Joh Fredersen. Freder becomes enamored with Maria, a spiritual figure who preaches peace to the workers. Witnessing the suffering in the underground city compels him to become a mediator between classes.
Meanwhile, a mad scientist named Rotwang builds a humanoid robot, the Maschinenmensch. Fredersen forces Rotwang to give the robot Maria’s appearance so it can infiltrate the workers and manipulate them. The robot incites chaos, encouraging revolt and destruction while undermining Maria’s message of unity.
The workers rise up and accidentally flood their own city, endangering their children. The real Maria and Freder save the children as the masses realize they were misled by the machine. The robot is captured and burned at the stake, revealing its metal form beneath the disguise.
The film ends with Freder acting as a symbolic “mediator” who brings together his father and the workers’ leader, fulfilling Maria’s prophecy that the heart must be the mediator between the head and the hands.
Accuracy of AI and Robotics Depiction
While Metropolis predates modern AI research by decades, its portrayal of artificial beings remains conceptually relevant.
Remarkably Prescient Elements
Humanoid robot impersonation: A core idea in today’s deepfake and AI-generated identity debates.
Fear of machine autonomy: The robot Maria acts independently, a theme seen in countless AI cautionary tales.
Robots used for manipulation and propaganda: Echoes modern concerns about AI-driven misinformation.
The division between creators and machines: Still central to discussions about AI ethics and control.
Fictional Elements
The Maschinenmensch has no plausible technological basis for its time.
Full consciousness transfer and instant impersonation remain speculative even today.
The robot’s near-magical influence on crowds is symbolic rather than technological.
Even with these fictional aspects, Metropolis helped establish the emotional and philosophical questions that still shape AI cinema and discourse.
