In times past it was stated that all roads led to Rome. Well in the 21^st century, as far as cinema goes, all great contempo science fiction films can be traced in some way or another, thematically or visually (I’m specifically thinking The Matrix or Blade Runner) to a landmark film from the silent era. You could say all paths lead back to Metropolis.

Released in 1927, as directed by Fritz Lang Metropolis set the standards for filmic depictions of dystopian societies as well as killer robot chicks. There’s a bit of H.G. Wells’ Morlocks and Elois in Lang’s strata wherein the rich live high in the sky and the workers toil underground.

Lang’s 1922 Dr. Mabuse the Gambler was also considered a prototype of the psychological crime thriller but Lang had used the 1914 Fantomas (d. Louis Feuillade) as the model for that film. Metropolis also hovers at the mid-point of Lang’s silent career, lodged as it is between Die Nibelungen and M.

Lang’s film destiny would include a clash of wills with his main writer/collaborator Thea von Harbou, to whom Lang was also married. They divorced in 1933, their marriage severed by von Harbou joining the Nazi party.

Metropolis will unwind in a restored version that represents the most complete version of this masterwork to date. Screenings are at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Brown Auditorium from Thursday through Monday, September 2 – 6. Check the MFAH’s web description of Metropolis for times and prices.

– Michael Bergeron