Metropolis (Bring the Classics to Life: Level 5)

By: Thea von Harbou

Bring The Classics To Life. These novels have been adapted into 10 short chapters that will excite the reluctant reader as well as the enthusiastic one. Key words are defined and used in context.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0931334683
• ISBN13: 9780931334689
• Release Date: February 2020
• Publisher: EDCON Publishing Group
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 10.7"

Customer Reviews

How to slaughter a great work.

What’s Lost or Altered Thematic Depth: The original’s exploration of class struggle, industrial dystopia, and spiritual redemption is likely simplified or reframed in more concrete, child-accessible terms. Stylistic Voice: Thea von Harbou’s ornate, expressionist prose is replaced with utilitarian narration. Ambiguity and Symbolism: Nuanced elements—like the religious imagery or the Maschinenmensch’s symbolic role—are probably flattened or omitted. ----------- I was always fascinated by the movie "Metropolis" (1927, Fritz Lang). I followed the movie from the recovered fragments to the almost complete version with the added footage from Argentina. Then it dawned on me that the movie was probably adapted from a story. Looking at the credits, I found this story, "Metropolis" by Thea von Harbou (1888-1954). I had no idea that Thea Gabriele von Harbou was part of 77 great movie titles, including "M" and "Siegfried". You might find Thea's (second wife of Fritz Lang) writing style quite interesting, not quite modern, but clear. She repeats herself quite often, sort of in the style of the Bible. As with many movies at that time, the story in the description stuck a lot closer to the book than they do nowadays. Today's movies should say inspired instead of adapted from. Reading the book, you could see the movie almost blow-by-blow. However, with a few strategic modifications here and there, the book and movie deviate greatly in their purpose and delivery. While the movie was about the class struggle between what was called the hands and the head, with a mediator, the heart. The book was more of a personal struggle for man's soul and redemption. Of course, the book had the freedom to take more time than the movie to describe actions and actors. Also, of course, there were a lot of scenes that would have to be cut out for the movie. But of those who left him, they were quite accurate. Whether you liked or didn't like the movie, you cannot afford to overlook this book. There are a lot of shocks and surprises awaiting you. And there is always time enough for love.