Artificial Intelligence
Critical Focus — Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis’
A lens into contemporary AI discourse
Fritz Lang’s Metropolis
In my time as a film student, the first movie we studied was Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis.’ This experience left such an impression on me that, years later, it was the first film I chose to show my own students. Widely recognized as a significant work in film history, Metropolis continues to be featured in classrooms around the world. Fritz Lang’s 1927 masterpiece not only played a crucial role in the evolution of filmmaking but also conveys a message that remains pertinent to this day.
Set in a dystopian future, it is a compelling social commentary on the fear of technology, class struggle, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. This German expressionist film influenced the direction of the science fiction genre and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike with its contemporary themes and stunning visuals.
Metropolis pioneered the craft of filmmaking in many ways. One of the first full-length science fiction films, it was groundbreaking in its use of special effects — including miniatures, matte paintings, and the Schüfftan process, a special effects technique using mirrors to create the illusion of vast, expansive cityscapes…
