Working Class v Elite Class

Close Scene Analysis

In Metropolis the workers introduction heavily contrasts that of the elite class’. This sets up the theme of class struggle that simmers throughout the film. 

 

The workers’ city is heavily systematic and mechanical which the workers also reflect through their robotic and synchronised movements. This makes it seems as though the workers are replaceable cogs in a machine lacking any individuality. As some of the workers exit the factory and the others enter the composition provides a contrast of pace which articulates how tiring and relentless the work they do is. The ones leaving work sway from side to side at a significantly slower pace than those who are entering. 

The workers are kept at a very long shot and a long shot most of the time they are on the screen. This creates distance between the spectator and workers which further dehumanises them. As well as this it creates the idea of surveillance as the spectator observes the workers’ mannerisms and behaviours. 

 

The costumes are identical which makes it so there is no individuality among the workers. As well as this all the workers are similar in stature making it seem as they all are the same. This makes it appear that the workers lack diversity as well as culture due to their working conditions. 

The bars on the gates reflect that of prison bars on cells. This could be articulating the lack of freedom the workers have from their work as well as the extreme levels of control Joh Fredersen has over them. 

 

As the workers enter the lifts their backs are facing the camera, concealing their faces from the spectator. This prevents connections between the workers and the spectator. On the lift there is the number 219. This number has religious meaning of luminousness and prosperity. This is ironic due to the workers’ lifestyle where they are not given the freedom to thrive and are just surviving. 

 

As the workers travel deeper into the workers city they sink below the towering buildings. This makes the workers seem insignificant compared to what they have built. The opening sequence of the workers reflects the perspective the elite class has of them that they are insignificant. The composition of the workers in the frame further makes them appear unimportant compared to the large scale of the set and rest of the city. The workers take up a small scale of the screen as well as that part of the screen being the bottom. This is reflective of their place in the hierarchy in society: the lowest in society who have to struggle and suffer but as the foundation at the bottom that all the other classes need to maintain their status. 

 

The intertitles travel down as the workers’ go into the depths of Metropolis seeming as if they have been banished to Hell. This physically puts them lower in society. This contrasts the elite classes’ titles as they travel up. As they do they form a pyramid shape again reflecting the hierarchy of society. The titles travelling up puts them above ground and higher in society.

Compared to the workers’ long shots the elite class are captured with medium close ups and their faces are visible. This allows for a connection to be made with the elite class. There are also individual shots of members of the elite class allows introduction to characters and a closeness. The innovative tracking shot allows the camera to keep its closeness but also illustrate the elite classes’ futuristic advancement with technology. 

 

There is a shift in music between the workers and the elite class. The workers music lacks energy and enthusiasm which is reflective of the workers lifeless performance. The music is slow and sorrowful as if they are grieving the lives they could have lived. As the music fades out the triumphant music of the elite class begins. Perhaps reflecting their dominance and triumph in the social hierarchy.  The trumpet which is featured in the elite classes’ music also establishes their place in society. The trumpet back in Medieval Europe was the ultimate status symbol for royalty. This therefore illustrates the elite class and royal and godly status.