Fritz Lang directs Gustav Fröhlich, Brigitte Helm and Alfred Abel in the dystopian epic about a mad scientist who replaces the underclasses prophet with a revolt inspiring robot. 

The complete Metropolis is lost in the mists of time so I prefer this assembly put together by disco producer Giorgio Moroder. Sure it adds a dated but appropriate synth pop soundtrack but it also keeps the plot, pace, form and indelible images pretty much intact. It is the most Saturday night blockbuster-style way of enjoying this abused classic, which after it flopped got cut to shreds by international distributors in the 1920s. As for the film itself it is still an awe inspiring achievement and quite the wild ride; taking in industrial disasters, violent rebellions, rooftop chases, mechanised Satanic rituals and raves spilling out from sex parlours. In this form, Metropolis is a living, breathing and kicking out on uppers experience rather than some dull museum piece dustily presenting its still inspirational visual design. As a throw every against the wall and see what sticks futurist adventure, Fritz Lang’s epic still dazzles.

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