A+ Essay Example: Power and Control
Totalitarianism, impact of WW1, social constructs, communication
Text: 1984 (George Orwell)
Fritz Lang’s silent film, Metropolis, exceptionally examines the destructive repercussions of a totalitarian society which results in the creation of a distinct segregation between the two social classes, that being the workers and the utilitarian’s. The film can be deciphered as being a warning to the German society in regards to the struggles of poverty, conflict and most certainly the fears for the future. Lang achieves the communication of such concerns through the utilisation of cinematic techniques which further enables the prevalence of themes such as the detrimental nature of power and control, which is actively portrayed by characters such as Joh Fredersen and the robotic 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 oppressive power is vividly delineated in the scene where one set of workers are completing their shifts in the Machine Labs, whilst another set is entering. Within this frame the audience notices the automated actions of the workers along with a clear dividing metal gate between the labs and ‘the depths’, which assist in highlighting the notion of repression which is forced upon average working individuals. The utilisation of costume; identical work overalls, highlights the workers lack of individuality which arrives as a result of an oppressed society. This particular scene specifically highlights the contextual concerns of the results of Germany’s defeat leading to hyperinflation and general sense of anxiety to surge within the community. Furthermore, a prime example where the notion of absolute control is present, is within the scene where the workers fail to complete the Herculean tasks they have been assigned to do within the machine labs. For this reason, they sacrifice themselves by being stripped off their clothes and thrown into the mouth of Moloch. The utilisation of allusion to ancient Greek deities, in particular to Moloch; who is the god of fire, highlights the strong cultural and religious background that has been presented by Lang in order to further reinforce the warnings, regarding the technological advancements, conveyed throughout Metropolis.
More so, the lack of facial expressions and automated body language of the workers within the Machine Labs, highlights their disengagement from others and a sense of boredom as a result of their repetitive job. Furthermore, the reverse camera angle positions the audience to view the manner and extent to which they workers are oppressed, as it places us in a similar situation to that of the workers. This notion is vividly paralleled to the rise of capitalism within Germany which led to the exploitation of workers, resulting in degraded lifestyles for such individuals. In doing as such, Lang skilfully and reveals his concerns about how the development of technology would lead to the creation of an oppressed society, in which the power and control lies in one’s hands. This be the impetus of the creation and division between capitalism and industrialism, which would no doubt dehumanise the workers by removing personal freedoms, creativity and individuality. Thus, Lang ultimately explores how power and machinery combined is incongruous to man’s capability.
Furthermore, Lang laces Metropolis with strong German expressionism which ultimately builds the crux of the film, and this notion is creatively portrayed when Freder rushes to the ‘new’ Tower of Babel in order to advice his father about the human sacrifice of workers, which occurred in the Machine Labs. Costume: portrays him as a man with significant wealth, thus of high class. The application of facial expressions and body language of Freder, highlights his ruthless and authoritarian nature, which is further accentuated by his gesture of the clenched fist which conveys his arrogance. Thus, both father and son are dichotomous as Joh is an accurate representation of an autocratic paternal society whereas as Freder is the peacemaker, or in Lang’s interpretation the ‘mediator’.
Hence, Metropolis highlights the issues associated with a totalitarian society, as Lang portrays how such a political environment would result in the creation of a distinct segregation between the two social classes; the workers and utilitarian’s. In this manner, Lang creatively warns the German audience regarding the struggles of poverty, conflict and certainly the fears for the developing future. Themes such as the detrimental nature of power and control aid in further conveying Lang’s concerns, which ultimately labels Metropolis as being a masterpiece which is laced with unique political, technological and social issues of its contextual era.
