Metropolis (1927)

Second viewing, probably; previously viewed between 1983 and 1986.

First viewing of the restored version lasting approximately 2h25. 

 In a future time, the city of Metropolis goes through some turbulence in connection to a mass movement centered on a prophetess and her promise of a "mediator" who would reconcile workers and capitalists. A capitalist's son feels attracted to the prophetess and claims the role of mediator for himself.

This is a lot longer than the version or versions I saw previously, so I jumped at the opportunity of seeing it. The most interesting thing about the movie is its political ideology of humane conservatism, which I suppose is something akin to social democracy, though a somewhat malicious reviewer could also make the case for a prefiguration of National Socialism, with the mediator as a kind of Hitler prototype. Admittedly the plot is not as exciting as its premise, particularly in its middle section. There is a strong religious component to the script, with the Maria-following exhibiting messianic characteristics (she embodies a conflation of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and Mary Magdalen), and its flipside personified by the apocalyptic preacher (he seems to be only a hallucination of the protagonist, and for some reason which escaped me is conflated with the Thin Man, a spy for the capitalist; it seems this is better explained in footage that was not recovered). The set designs and visuals in general are stunning, as is well known.

Rating: 67 (unchanged)