The Religion Found in Metropolis

What I noticed about Metropolis was how similar the society seemed to the drug society in "A Brave New World." In both societies people seem to be living in accordance with rules imposed upon one ruler of the community. They go about their daily life with no emotions as drugs, or in this case a machine, takes control of their lives. They are made not to think but to just go through the motions. To me, this symbolizes a lack of religion in society. It seems as if society is based solely on science and not on emotions. I think this may be what the director had in mind when filming Metropolis.

I do not agree with what was mentioned in Monday's film discussion that the director made the film without a specific purpose in mind. I believe that he saw something wrong in early Twentieth Century society that he wanted to bring to people's attention; the best way to do this during the time period was through film, the most popular form of entertainment. I believe that he may have seen a problem arising between science and religion. Now, the boundaries here may not be strictly science and religion but could also mean having a life run by convenience and machines versus a simplistic life where the heart rules (for example, a country life versus a life in urban Chicago). As a comparision with the film, "A Brave New World" is run by the feelings evoked by machine-made drugs. As soon as the lead character starts having romantic feelings for a woman, he is chastized. Metropolis is set up in the same fashion.

When the film starts out the society is so bland as workers drag themselves to work. Yet the film lightens up when Maria enters the picture, acting as a prophet similar to John the Baptist. She gives the workers hope of a better, more purposeful life. This is what religion does to most societies; it allows people to think both with their heads and their hearts and allows them to feel.

Overall I think Metropolis was written and filmed with a specific purpose in mind to show what society was like, what its faults were, and what would happen if the faults escalated without correction. I also think the religious themes were intentional to compare science and religion and the necessity for both in any society, just as each person needs both the head and heart to survive.