Metropolis (1927)

[InformationGeek]

I'm checking into this movie recently since I got it in my Horror Classics 50 Movie Set (It is more sci-fi than horror from my understanding, but I won't complain).  It is said to be very... very good, influenced most science fiction movies to this day, and has been able to stand the test of time.  Personally, for those of you who have seen it, do you agree with those statements about the film?  How good is this film?

[Rev. Powell]

I'm checking into this movie recently since I got it in my Horror Classics 50 Movie Set (It is more sci-fi than horror from my understanding, but I won't complain).  It is said to be very... very good, influenced most science fiction movies to this day, and has been able to stand the test of time.  Personally, for those of you who have seen it, do you agree with those statements about the film?  How good is this film?

It's great, 5/5.  One of my favorites of all time, and definitely one of few silent films that still holds up for modern audiences.  Definitely sci-fi, not horror at all.  The Mill Creek version isn't the best, though, but it's good enough for an introduction.  If you're entranced by the movie, you'll want to look for a restored print with a good soundtrack. 

[SkullBat308]

5 out of 5 as well but the themes of this movie scare me, so I think it has horror elements, but that's just me.

[the ghoul]

definitely one of few silent films that still holds up for modern audiences.  

It's a great movie.  I love it.  But to say that it holds up for modern audiences is a bit of a stretch.  I don't think there is any movie from the silent era that would hold the attention of modern audiences.  Unless you mean the modern old sci-fi/horror and b-movie watching audience, or the modern film history buff audience.


Remember, even the classic "King Kong" had to be horribly remade by Peter Jackson to attract "modern audiences."

[Rev. Powell]

definitely one of few silent films that still holds up for modern audiences.  

It's a great movie.  I love it.  But to say that it holds up for modern audiences is a bit of a stretch.  I don't think there is any movie from the silent era that would hold the attention of modern audiences.  Unless you mean the modern old sci-fi/horror and b-movie watching audience, or the modern film history buff audience.


Remember, even the classic "King Kong" had to be horribly remade by Peter Jackson to attract "modern audiences."

You're right, of course.  I didn't mean the average audience in the general population, but the "average" reader of this site, who is willing to take a lot more chances on movies.

I'm a film buff myself, and most silent movies leave me cold.  But horror & sci-fi work best as silents, because the silent movie atmosphere is so otherworldly and dreamlike.   

[the ghoul]

You're right, of course.  I didn't mean the average audience in the general population, but the "average" reader of this site, who is willing to take a lot more chances on movies.

I can definitely agree with that.

[Monster Jungle X-Ray]

I can definitely agree that Metropolis, and most silent films would be tedious to many of the modern day movie viewing public. I myself enjoy them immensely, and have seen Metropolis many times over the years. I used to have it on laserdisc at one point. What I am excited about though is the "lost footage" print that was discovered out of Buenos Aires a couple of years ago. From what I remember an enterprising theater owner with some foresight simply did not return the print to be destroyed, much like what happened to Murnau's Nosferatu following the loss of its copyright infringement case against Stoker's widow. This brings hope that someday London After Midnight will turn up.

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1820743,00.html

[dean]

This is one of my favourite of the silent era films: Great set design and that robot design on the posters is fantastic.  There's a store near me that has a lifesize Maria Robot in their window.  I want... 

I've got a soundtrack from this movie on LP which has songs by Queen and Pat Benatar on it.  I've yet to dare put it on, but it's pretty funny that they did it.  Kind of like the ACDC version.

One of my life goals is to re-record a soundtrack for Metropolis.  Fun times.