Film introduced by Anna Navas and Dr Robert Taub
This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylised futuristic city in which a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria, but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.
Set in a dystopian future, Metropolis tells the story of two worlds: the upper city, inhabited by the wealthy ruling class, and the underground city, populated by the poor working class, who spend their days toiling on the enormous machines that keep the city running. Metropolis depicts the experience of the city as one marked by chaos, tension and intensity.
The film is introduced by Anna Navas, Film Administrator at The Arts Institute and Plymouth Arts Cinema and Dr Robert Taub, Music Director at The Arts Institute. Together they have programmed this film to accompany The Art Institute’s festival, Expressionism: Emotions Unchained.
Our festival offers a unique integration of pivotal music, visual art, and film of this energetic and vibrant artistic era of unbounded influence. Join us for four extraordinary evenings with world-leading artists.
In addition to this film, for the fullest experience of the festival, please consider the opening concert on Saturday 12 March featuring pivotal works of Scriabin and Schönberg, the talk on Wednesday 16 March featuring the close relationship between Expressionist visual art and music, and the concert on Saturday 19 March featuring three extraordinary string quartets performed by world-class musicians.
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Director: Fritz Lang, Germany (1927)
Cast: Gustav Frohlich, Alfred Abel, Brigitte Helm, Fritz Rasp
Running time: 150 minutes
English subtitles
Date: Monday 14 March 2022
Time: 19:00–21:40
Venue: Jill Craigie Cinema, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth
Ticket information: Special festival price: standard £3 / concessions £2 / free for all students / Young Arts Pass (YAP) Under 18
