1. Metropolis Critique For many of you this may be the first time to watch a silent film. Keep an open mind. Metropolis was made in a different time, a different culture and different language. However, Fritz Lang manages to tell us his story without the benefit of the spoken word. There are dialogue cards and the music is original score writing for the Berlin Premiere.

2. Metropolis Critique This critique requires deeper thought than the obvious but, you will find that when each part of each question is answered thoroughly it will guide you to an in-depth study. This critique is not difficult but it can be lengthy. I do not suggest waiting until the evening before it is due. Staying up all night to finish a paper leads to sloppy and often incomplete work.

3. Metropolis Critique 1) If you want to check correct spelling of the names I recommend going on-line to imdb.com. Remember that you must include two actors and their roles, as well as the director. 2) Summarize what happens in the plot in less than a page but more than a short paragraph. Include the major plot points with character names.

4. Metropolis Critique 3) Theme is stated in one sentence not a paragraph. For example the theme of The Matrix is “Create the path of your own destiny and have the courage to walk it”. This is what the principal character learns and what the story revolves around. A theme is not “it’s the story of a man and his fight with the computer world that controls him. This is plot not theme. ( In Metropolis Fritz Lang states the theme in several dialogue cards. Usually there’s not a right or wrong answer to theme but, in this film there is.)

5. Metropolis Critique 4) There are many symbols used in Metropolis physical, ideological and religious. Make certain to describe what it is and what it symbolizes. 5) List each of the shot length and camera angles separately and discuss where in the film Lang used each and why he chose them. Refer back to the Vocabulary power point to help with “why”.

6. Metropolis Critique 6) In the final question state in a concise sentence what goal do you think Lang was trying to accomplish with Metropolis (this will be related to theme.) With examples to support your opinion, how well do you think he accomplished that goal? And finally your personal opinion of whether or not that was a worthwhile goal and why you believe it.

7. Viewing Metropolis When watching Metropolis be aware of the closeness of “personal space” – Freder invades everyone’s personal space. Lang reinforces this theme with specific Character Action (what actions the characters do), Camera Angles and Shot Length.

8. Viewing Metropolis Observe the use of Camera Angles to establish character relationships and personality: – who is shot with a slightly lower angle to make them appear strong (where, why and how) – who is shot at eye level to make us identify with them (where, why and how) – who is shot from above to make them appear weak or vulnerable (where, why and how)

9. Viewing Metropolis Observe the use of Shot Length to establish audience involvement with character(s) – who/what is shot with a long shot to keep the audience from identifying with an individual (where, why and how) – who/what is shot at a medium length to bring us into the action (where, why and how) – and who/what is shot in a close-up to make us identify with them (where, why and how)