Symptom 134: Metropolis - The Ghost of Sci-Fi Past

We kick off our discussion of science fiction through the years with a review of 1927’s Metropolis. First off, this is a silent film, so it is a completely different experience to watch. It is also highly stylized and layered with symbolism. Then of course there is the obvious pro-worker anti business message and the recurring motif of the mediator between head and hands must be the heart.

Honestly, I am not sure what this film is…pro communist, anti capitalist, anti communist and pro worker, anti business but pro worker? It is a confused jumble of ideas, but maybe because of that it remains a classic that is watched through the generations.