While expressionism has some universally accepted features, peculiarities exist in its regional versions. That is why German expressionism has a few distinct features. According to Lecture #1, they are fantastic sets and settings, exaggerated acting styles, melodramatic plotlines, elaborate use of light and shadow, and a dream-like atmosphere. All these five characteristics are present in Metropolis, and specific examples from this film prove this statement and explain why the movie is considered a masterpiece of German expressionism.
Firstly, the film’s setting demonstrates that this film belongs to the German expressionist movement. Events in Metropolis take place in the distant future in the city of Metropolis with immense skyscrapers (Lang, 1927). The city is strictly divided between the working class and wealthy people (Lang, 1927). This description demonstrates that the film focuses on a utopia, which allows for concluding that Metropolis has signs of German expressionism.
Secondly, the film’s plotline allows one to state that movie is an example of the movement under analysis. The film tells a story of social segregation, love, and a role of an individual in society. Freder has a personal affection for Maria, and the two are forced to go through various challenges to save the city from Rotwang (Lang, 1927). This melodramatic plotline also reveals that Metropolis is an example of German expressionism.
Thirdly, exaggerated acting styles also allow for guessing the film movement. In particular, Freder, the son of the city’s master, personifies the meaning of exaggerated acting styles. For example, when Freder experienced the living conditions of the workers, he acted exaggeratedly to report this finding to his father (Lang, 1927). Thus, when this character is surprised, his every movement and facial expression demonstrate how severely he is impressed and how strongly these feelings affect him.
Fourthly, German expressionist movies rely on elaborate use of light and shadow, and this feature is present in Metropolis. This element is the most evident when Freder attends the underground city and is depicted together with workers. Freder is completely dressed in white, while all the workers wear dark clothes, and their faces are often hidden (Lang, 1927). This contrast is a characteristic feature of many films that belong to German expressionism.
Finally, a dream-like atmosphere is another essential peculiarity that defines the film’s movement. This element is evident throughout the entire movie because it depicts fantastic events and settings. Spectators can believe that such situations and processes can only take place in a dream. Consequently, the given assignment has presented and explained five German expressionist characteristics that can be found in Metropolis. That is why there is no doubt that the selected movie belongs to the identified movement.
Reference
Lang, F. (1927). Metropolic [Film]. UFA.