Stephan Graf v. Bothmer: METROPOLIS

Stephan Graf von Bothmer interprets this film of all films virtuously, on a grand scale and with profound depth, using state-of-the-art sounds live on his CineTronium. He was the first musician to present his own new score for the restored version: at the Zoo Palast in Berlin, where both performances sold out. Films inspired by Metropolis also reappear in his latest score: "Blade Runner," "The Fifth Element," "The Matrix," and "The Wall."

Scale-produced, this modern fairy tale tells the story of a city of the future, where workers toil at machines deep in the dark interior of the Earth, while the wealthy above live a life of luxury and light. Until catastrophe strikes... [Fritz Lang, Germany 1926]

Fritz Lang's greatest work is both popular and avant-garde. "Metropolis" is the first film in the world to be inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. We are showing this restored version of the masterpiece. A monument of Weimar cinema.

At its heart is the search for a "mediator between mind and hand" to reconcile the classes. At the same time, the film shows how easily technology, power, and mass hysteria can spiral out of control: the machine-woman Maria, revolts, forgotten children, and burning cathedrals make "Metropolis" an apocalyptic allegory. Despite, or perhaps because of, its poignant message, the film remains a breathtaking visual experience.

"Metropolis," the monumental dystopian drama about class conflict, technological intoxication, and the yearning for reconciliation, is more relevant today than ever.