Metropolis (1927)

1) Archetypes are character-types that one can find repeated in many stories across ages and cultures (For example: the temptress, the despotic ruler, the renegade warrior trying to enforce justice). Describe briefly the archetypes that the following characters in Metropolis represent? (Hint: You might begin by comparing them to other popular characters from books/films and then describe what makes their position in the narrative similar)

Joh Fredersib:
Freder Frederson:
Maria:
Rotwang:

2) Who represents the “Brain”? What is the Brain’s role in the Metropolis? What shapes, colors, symbols and characteristics are displayed on the screen to represent the Brain?

-Who and what represents the “Hands”? What is the Hands’ role in the Metropolis? What shapes, colors, symbols and characteristics are displayed on the screen to represent the Hands?

-Who and what represents the “Heart”? What is the Heart’s role in the Metropolis? What figures or characteristics are displayed on the screen to represent the “Heart”?

3) Describe the acting the soundtracks. How does it compare with the other films you’ve seen? What are the benefits and constraints of the acting in a silent film?

4) What does the story of Babel (as a story within the story) imply about the Metropolis? What connections might be made between the film version and Borges’s “The Library of Babel”?