METROPOLIS (1927) - 12/5/2024

I just don’t get it

Metropolis is hailed as one of the greatest achievements in film making ever. Fritz Lang’s sci-fi opus that laid the land for all of those that were to follow in its wake. And I get it. Stylistically, it is pretty cool. The sets built merge both German expressionism and grand operatic scale, which is really cool to see. So much of the design and care that went into these clearly massive sets and models is beyond comparison. Some of the effects are also wildly impressive when, again, you realize this was made in 1927. However, it’s a no from me, dawg.

I think the main reason I couldn’t vibe with this is because it’s a 2.5 hour silent film. I can do silent films, that’s not an issue. Give me a good Chaplin, or The Passion of Joan of Arc, or even Vampyr any day. But at least those films also happen to be about 90 minutes, not 148. And I really like Fritz Lang, M is an all-time sick film. Plus, whatever version I watched (the one on Tubi) had such a shitty soundtrack that was a 2.5 hour continuous loop of the same smooth jazz which was so ill-fitting for so many parts that required intensity that my attention was completely out the window. Because of that, my attention was severely lost. I’ve heard the Eureka version is the GOATed one, but I don’t think I can say with any confidence that I will revisit this film again. But I’m happy for everyone else who is really into it.