Metropolis

By Thea von Harbou

Book Overview

This city of the future encompasses two worlds: that of the hedonistic ruling class and that of a segregated subculture, toilers in a mechanized underworld who labor to provide the rich with their pleasures. When a charismatic leader arises, she seeks a savior to unite the disparate social orders. "Between the brain that plans and the hands that build," she declares, "there must be a mediator―the heart."

Thea von Harbou, creator of the screenplay for Fritz Lang's iconic 1927 film, wrote this novel to expand upon the movie's ideas and concepts. Vivid in description, rich in characterization and symbolism, the story draws upon ancient myths to form a compelling vision of the future. Noted science-fiction authority Forrest J. Ackerman hailed the book as "a work of genius," and a century after its initial publication Metropolis continues to captivate readers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1773238558
• ISBN13: 9781773238555
• Release Date: May 2022
• Publisher: Must Have Books
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A story of love and redemption.

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.

The true mastermind behind Metropolis

Thea Von Harbou is the mastermind behind Metropolis. This book offers a much deeper meaning to the themes portrayed in the film, more compelling world building and immersive atmosphere. The film is my favourite film of all time, but this book paints all of the missing colours in, literally and metaphorically. You get to really understand the characters, especially Maria and her more nuanced motivations, and the relationship between Freder and his father. A science fiction masterpiece. Highly recommend!

A True Science Fiction Classic

Metroplis is truly a great clasic of science fiction. I found the repetive style of the writing, annoying at first. Once I got used to it though, the descriptive reptition played a large role in bringing the whole story to life. It is a story that is definetly larger than life and stands up to the test of time well. Imagine a time when machines rule the world (even more than now that is). Life is split into two castes, those who work the machines and those who benefit from them. The workers have to live under ground and work in horrifying conditions for little pay. The sons of those that own and command the machines, live a life of luxury and leisure. Their every whim and desire are met and they need not work at all. Freder is the son of the man who runs it all, his father commands those who actually have to work with the machines. You would think Freder would be happy, living the lap of luxury. He finds something missing, his father has brought him up to listen only to his brain and to ignore his heart. Freder finds he can not live hta way and must find a way to bring the influence of the heart back into his life.

Amazing fiction -- basis for the classic silent film.

Metropolis. It is a city like no other. It is the center of the world, host to princes and paupers. Below the city toil hundreds of men - slaves, fodder to the great god-like machines that eat them alive. High above the city is Joh Frederson. Each morning he starts machines that run the society of Metropolis, and each evening he stops them again. His son is Freder, who wears white silk each day and has a life of complete luxury. Freder's life is changed irrevocably when a girl with the face of the Madonna brings a group of dirty, shrunken children into his pristine world. Awakened to the plight of the thousands that toil their lives away, he goes underground in search of the girl who has captured his heart and his mind. His pursuit is one that will bring the great city to its knees - for love of a son. In Metropolis, we enter a futuristic city and meet the inhabitants that dwell there. We are horrified by the virtual slavery of the underground workers, and awed by the luxury that the sons of the wealthy live in. Written more than seventy years ago, the language that Von Harbou uses is intricate and poetic. Each phrase is a work of art. This is one of those books that should be read aloud with loving care. Unexpectedly, it is the sheer humanity that raises the book to greatness - the love of Frederson for his son, the mothers who weep for their children, and the father who gathers his small children to his breast. While controversial in its time, the topics that Von Harbou tackles, to an extent, still plague us today. This is a novel that fans of thoughtful science fiction simply cannot miss.