About

Deep under the grand city of Metropolis human labourers drive the mechanised world of the reigning corporate elite who reap the profits of industry and cavort above ground in pleasure gardens. This class division is bridged when the visionary Maria, a woman from the depths, brings a group of children into the garden to meet their ‘brothers’ above. Before they are shooed away by guards, the sight of Maria touches the heart of Freder, the son of the most powerful man in the city and he goes in search of what lies beneath.

Made nearly 100 years ago in 1927, Metropolis examines themes still very relevant today: the perils of corporate greed, the possibility of science and technology used for enslavement and the humanity caught between it all. When the master of Metropolis hires mad scientist Rotwang to quell a rebellion, the robot he builds - the Maschinenmensch (Machine-Person) - is one of the first robots to appear on screen. Fritz Lang’s epic with its grandiose scale and depictions of a deranged scientist and futuristic sets has become one of the most influential science-fiction films of all time.

This silent film will be accompanied by music played live on stage lead by double bassist Robert Davidson.

Metropolis screening from a restored 35mm film print. This is the 2010 restoration that runs 120 mins.