A+ Essay Example: Impact of Technological Advancements
Immorality and role of religion, text as a warning
Text: 1984 (George Orwell)
Throughout Fritz Lang’s film, Metropolis, there is a heavy emphasis paid upon the detrimental impacts of technological advancements, which is portrayed through the means of the Machine Labs and the robotic Maria. The film is certainly built up on the notion of presenting a warning to the German society in regards to the dangers of extremist ideologies such as communism, capitalism and industrialism and the Jazz Age. Lang is deciphered to communicate such integral concerns through themes such as deceit and exploitation, which are embodied by characters such as Rotwang and the robot Maria. Both these characters are delineated as being manipulative and destructive in their own unique ways, which more so aids in amplifying the concrete issues presented by Lang.
The notion of the adverse outcomes of technology is highlighted within the scene where Rotwang recreates a human robot, which is utilised for evil intentions, in this manner the ‘Machine Man’ takes on the physical appearance of Maria and sexually exploits the utilitarian society in accordance to Rotwang’s decisions. The utilisation of low camera angle empowers the recreation of Hel; which is in the form of a metallic robot, represents the idea of man’s desire to control as well as destruction, which is in itself a dichotomy as good and evil can coexist. More so, the Masonic symbol behind the machine man further reinforces the concept of supernatural elements which are present within the ordinary environment. In this manner, Lang creatively highlights upon the contextual idea of Freemasonry and their rituals, in particular to the 6-pointed symbol which was an emblem for good and evil. Most importantly, it is believed that this same symbol enabled the Jewish to identify one another whilst, to a certain degree, minimising the risk of possible recognition in public by the Nazis.
