Metropolis (1927)
Writing something about these types of films that are almost a 100 years old always creates the dilemma of whether to view it as an artistic milestone for its time and its legacy, or how it is just to watch it as a film today.
The technical achievements and its everlasting legacy is impossible to deny, and I do think it has something to give to the modern viewer beyond that as well. But it wasn’t a big film experience for me all things considered. I really like the first part, especially the opening with all the machines and the workers with their shift. And again the ending with all the impressive destruction and climax, but the middle part got somewhat dull at points. The general atmosphere of the film is great and there is plenty of symbolism one can read in all kinds of ways relevant to today’s world if one wants to do that. The acting is pretty theatrical, which is just what it is for its time, but Brigitte Helm is doing a pretty impressive job with both her roles regardless.
Rating: 3