Metropolis Film Poster – German 3-Sheet – Science Fiction Wall Art – Heinz Schulz-Neudamm 1927
For fans of silent masterpieces and science fiction, this reproduction Metropolis German Film Poster advertising Fritz Lang’s famous masterpiece is a must-have. The art nouveau classic was created by the German graphic designer and illustrator Heinz Schulz-Neudamm in 1926, ready for the film’s original 1927 release. Metropolis is widely considered to be the first feature-length science-fiction film ever made. It was an epic that would set the style and themes for the sci-fi genre for decades to come. No film before had created such a comprehensive vision of a futuristic world. This must also make this iconic poster design the first Science Fiction movie poster ever made. Schulz-Neudamm’s painting of the nefarious Maschinenmensch, the robot Maria, is set against the tall buildings of the dystopian world. The illustration’s art deco influence, the clean lines and delicate shading make this aan awesome poster design.
It’s unknown what the print run was for the film’s initial release but is believed that only four copies of the original Shulz-Neudamm poster are known to have survived, also making it one of the rarest in the world. Two are known to be in the hands of private collectors while the other two are owned by New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Berlin’s Film Museum. All of which you’d think would make the poster expensive… and you’d be right. When a copy came to auction in 2000 the poster from Fritz Lang’s silent masterpiece sold for $357,500 making it the most expensive sci-fi poster in the world at the time. More recently, in 2005, a Metropolis ‘International version came to market. The International version is identical to this German version with the exception of the German text at its foot. When that version when it was bought by collector Kenneth Schacter, it fetched a record-breaking sum of $690,000 back in 2005. It is still the most expensive sci-fi poster to have been sold.
Metropolis… the first true masterpiece of science fiction in film.
“Metropolis” is a classic science fiction film directed by Fritz Lang, and released in 1927. It is one of the most influential movies in the science fiction genre and is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects and stunning visual design. The film is set in a dystopian future where society is divided between the wealthy elite who live in luxurious skyscrapers and the oppressed workers toiling underground.
The film was written by Thea von Harbou in collaboration with Lang and stars Gustav Fröhlich as Freder Fredersen: Freder is the son of the city’s ruler, Joh Fredersen. He becomes the mediator between the workers and the ruling class, inspired by his love for Maria. Brigitte Helm as Maria / Robot Maria: Brigitte Helm played dual roles in the film. She portrayed Maria, the compassionate woman who becomes a symbol of hope for the workers, and also the robot created by the scientist Rotwang to manipulate the workers. Alfred Abel as Joh Fredersen: Alfred Abel played the role of Joh Fredersen, the powerful industrialist who governs the city of Metropolis.
Other members of the cast include Rudolf Klein-Rogge as Rotwang, the inventor, Fritz Rasp as The Thin Man, Fredersen’s spy, Theodor Loos as Josaphat, Fredersen’s assistant and Freder’s friend, Erwin Biswanger as worker 11811, also known as Georgy, Heinrich George as Grot, guardian of the Heart Machine, and Heinrich Gotho as Master of Ceremonies in Pleasure Gardens.
Erich Pommer produced it in the Babelsberg Studios for Universum Film A.G. (UFA). Filming took place over 17 months in 1925–26 at a cost of more than five million Reichmarks, or the equivalent of about €21 million. In 2001 the film was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, the first film thus distinguished.
“Metropolis” has undeniably left an enduring legacy in the world of cinema. As the first feature-length science-fiction film, it pioneered many techniques and themes that became fundamental to the genre. Its influence can be seen in numerous films and artworks over the years. The film’s futuristic and monumental cityscapes have inspired countless sci-fi movies, such as “Blade Runner” (1982) and “The Fifth Element” (1997), in their portrayal of futuristic urban environments. It explored themes of social inequality and dystopian futures, which have become recurring motifs in science fiction films like “1984” (1984) and “Brazil” (1985). The film’s iconic female robot, Maria, laid the groundwork for the depiction of robots and artificial intelligence in cinema, influencing movies like “Blade Runner” and “Ex Machina” (2014).
Metropolis is a hallmark of German Expressionist cinema, characterised by distorted sets and chiaroscuro lighting which significantly influenced not only sci-fi sci-fi but also thrillers and horror films including Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 film Blackmail.. It also introduced groundbreaking special effects and innovative camera techniques, which became standard in the film industry. Its influence can be seen in the evolution of visual effects in movies like “Star Wars” (1977) and the modern Marvel superhero films. The 1927 movie laid the foundation for science fiction in cinema and continues to inspire filmmakers and artists, shaping the way futuristic worlds are portrayed on screen.
The Metropolis Movie Plot and Themes
The story is set in a futuristic dystopian city where society is sharply divided between the wealthy industrialists who live in luxurious skyscrapers above ground and the oppressed workers who live and toil underground to keep the city running. The city is ruled by Joh Fredersen, the powerful industrialist, whose son, Freder, falls in love with Maria, a woman from the working class. Maria becomes the voice of the oppressed workers, preaching about a mediator who can reconcile the differences between the head (the thinkers and planners) and the hands (the workers).
Joh Fredersen, fearing a workers’ uprising, commissions a scientist named Rotwang to create a robot in the likeness of Maria to manipulate and control the workers. The robot Maria, with her seductive charm, incites the workers to rebellion, leading to chaos and destruction in the city.
“Metropolis” is renowned for its stunning visual effects, especially considering it was made in the 1920s. The film’s elaborate set designs, special effects, and cinematography were groundbreaking for its time and continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts.
The film’s influence can be seen in numerous later works of science fiction, including Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner,” which drew inspiration from “Metropolis” in terms of its futuristic cityscapes and exploration of the relationship between humans and machines.
Over the years, “Metropolis” suffered from extensive editing and censorship, leading to various versions of the film being released. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to restore the film to its original glory. In 2010, a nearly complete version of the film was discovered in Argentina, which helped in the restoration process.
Metropolis is a cinematic masterpiece that not only captivates audiences with its compelling story and characters but also continues to be studied and admired for its visual artistry and its impact on the science fiction genre in film. It is a film full of spectacular imagery – the robot, the cityscape, the workers, and the machines, all providing the perfect material for the promotional artists… selling the film to a contemporary audience. As a result, Metropolis has a great selection of classic film posters dedicated to it, the majority produced by UFA, a German film and television production company, and Paramount in association with the film’s initial release during 1927-1928.
Other Metropolis Film Posters
Being one of the most iconic films in the history of cinema, has inspired numerous movie posters over the years, reflecting the film’s themes and visual style. Here are a few notable examples of movie posters for “Metropolis”:
The original German poster for “Metropolis” is a striking and iconic image. Designed by German graphic artist Heinz Schulz-Neudamm, this poster features the iconic robot Maria, arms outstretched, against the backdrop of the futuristic cityscape. This image has become synonymous with the film and is instantly recognizable to fans and film enthusiasts.
Over the years, various re-releases and restored versions of “Metropolis” have prompted the creation of new posters. These posters often blend elements from the original film with modern design sensibilities. They might feature the robot Maria, the cityscape, or other key imagery from the film, aiming to capture the essence of the story.
Different countries have produced their own versions of “Metropolis” posters for screenings and promotional purposes. These posters often reinterpret the film’s themes and characters according to the cultural context and artistic preferences of the specific region.
Special edition releases, such as anniversary editions or limited collector’s sets, often come with unique posters. These posters might feature intricate artwork, behind-the-scenes photos, or even artistic interpretations by contemporary artists inspired by the film.
Given the film’s cult status, numerous fan artists have created their own interpretations of “Metropolis” posters. These artworks can vary widely in style and tone, reflecting the diverse ways in which fans perceive and appreciate the film.
Each of these posters contributes to the film’s legacy, capturing different facets of its narrative and visual brilliance. The imagery from these posters has not only become iconic within the realm of film history but has also influenced the broader visual language of science fiction art and design.
The superb reproduction print of the classic Metropolis film poster on this listing was designed by Kurt Degen. It was a one-sheet poster produced to promote the German theatrical release of the film. The poster features a vibrant image of Marie above the dynamic Metropolis landscape.
