Through their dystopian texts, Lang and Orwell aim not only to generate imaginative critical thinking about the imminent dangers of their contemporary worlds, but also potentially offer the basis for radical change with real world consequences. Fritz Lang’s Expressionist silent film Metropolis, released in 1927, represents his concerns for the individual under a capitalist hierarchy. His film reflects the economic and political aftermath of Weimar Germany following WWI, to portray the impact of power struggles on the individual. Correspondingly, in the short time-span of only 20 years, George Orwell’s novel 1984, published in 1949, warns of the mechanisms of power in a totalitarian society, cautioning his audience about the eradication of the …show more content…
Freder states that his father has ‘made the machines the gods of this city and made the people slaves to your god-machines’, demonstrating Lang’s belief that if technology is not treated with caution it has the potential to compromise humanity. This can be seen through the symbol of the ‘Molloch’, where the workers are metaphorically fed to machine. Lang uses the Molloch to emphasise the potential for technology to consume the individual, representing the growing tension between idealism and progress towards the ‘Machine Age’ in Germany. Additionally, the sci-fi stereotype Rotwang, symbolically highlights the potential for science to be used for the benefit of the state or alternatively to its detriment. Lang also employs the character Maria as a representation of the necessity of love, a crucial aspect of human spirit. However the robot Maria embodies the diabolical powers of Rotwang’s machines with an archetypal image of femininity to illustrate the end result of man’s attempt to control nature. Lang uses the gothic duality of Maria as a representation of the ambivalent reaction to technology (fear combined with admiration) in 1927 German society. By warning of the perils of unregulated technology, Metropolis affirms ………………… A2Q …show more content…
In the short period of 20 years, Lang’s uncertainty for the capitalist mechanism of Metropolis, is instead replaced by Orwell’s fears of a ‘totalising’ solution, seen through the ‘nightmare state’ in 1984. The Inner Party initiates control through the annihilation of all things unique to man, as seen through the Ministry of Truth where ‘proletarian literature, music, (and) drama’ are censored. Orwell uses the Proles as a symbol of hope, warning the reader of the importance of liberal, democratic freedoms. This is evident in the contrasting imagery of the Golden Country where ‘The birds sang’, with Airstrip One, where ‘the Party did not sing’. Additionally, Orwell uses the paperweight as a symbol to embody his hope for a better future, challenging the reader to see that the human spirit has the power to overcome any form of oppression. However, the Party inevitably defeats Winston, as seen when the Thought Police, ‘smashed (the paperweight) to pieces…’, metaphorically reinforcing Orwell’s grim understanding, that the fascist superstate will inevitably crush the individual. The metaphorical image of the ‘boot stamping on a human face—for ever’, further demonstrates Orwell’s belief that totalitarianism can devastate the human spirit. Through his exploration of the potential for governments to remove the human spirit, Orwell ………………… A2Q ………………..
Lang and Orwell’s dystopian texts present
In “1984,” Orwell portrays Winston’s secret struggle to undermine the totalitarian rule of Big Brother and the Party in Oceania. The different government agencies, such as the Thought Police and Ministry of Love, exercise unrestricted totalitarian rule over people. Winston actively seeks to join the rebellion and acquire the freedoms undermined by the Party. On the other hand, Heinlein’s brief narrative, “The Long Watch,” depicts a contrasting struggle championed by Dahlquist against the power hungry Colonel Towers and the Patrol. In his struggle to prevent the total domination of the world by the Patrol, Dahlquist chooses to sacrifice his life. Le Guin’s “The Ones who walk away from Omelas,” illustrates a communal form of injustice tolerated for the benefit of the entire city but necessitating the inhumane imprisonment of a child. He portrays the ambiguity of human morality and the individual struggle to determine right from wrong. The authors address social change and power in different ways, reflective of their individual perceptions. Hence, in each narrative, the author illustrates the individual’s role in effecting social change and the conditions under which such change becomes possible.
The presence of an overwhelming and influential body of government, dictating the individuals of contextual society, may potentially lead to the thoughts and actions that oppose the ruling party. Through the exploration of Fritz Lang’s expressionist film, Metropolis (1927), and George Orwell’s politically satirical novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four (1948), the implications of an autocratic government upon the individuals of society are revealed. Lang’s expressionist film delves into the many issues faced by the Weimar Republic of Germany following the “War to end all wars” (Wells, 1914), in which the disparity between the upper and lower classes became distinctively apparent as a result of the ruling party’s capitalistic desires. Conversely, Orwell’s,
The novel 1984 is one that has sparked much controversy over the last several decades. It harbors many key ideas that lie at the root of all skepticism towards the book. With the ideas of metaphysics, change, and control in mind, George Orwell wrote 1984 to provide an interesting story but also to express his ideas of where he believed the world was heading. His ideas were considered widely ahead of their time, and he was really able to drive home how bleak and colorless our society really is. Orwell wrote this piece as a futuristic, dystopian book which contained underlying tones of despair and deceit.
The 1927 film Metropolis co-written and directed by Fritz Lang, director of M and Dr. Mabuse, It was the most expensive silent film ever created costing 5,100,000 Reichmarks which would equal to $21,420,000 in 1927. Its innovative cinematography and the use of technology to create another world unlike anything that had been contributed to the world of film at the time. . In the first part of my essay I will summarize Fritz’s Metropolis and his use of technology to elaborate on man’s fantasy of creating a machine-man, but I will be discussing Friz’s use of a woman shaped machine rather than a man. There is a quite apparent correlation between the use of story creating Adam and eve and Rotwang’s robotic being, it is creation without a mother. It is not only established the basis for science fiction movie’s in the future it established an idea of an image of the future and how technology will help us progress and advance but also can be a hazard and burden on the human race. Machines are either helpful or they are a hazard. As displayed in the film the above ground Metropolis is a beautiful lush city of advancing technology and the drones that are slaves to the very technology that they thrive upon. The lack of female presence other than Maria in the movie is a point I will be establishing upon will relate to the interesting correlation between sexuality, femininity, and technology that is established through the creation of the machine man. Fritz has displayed in his film. Maria, at a time, acts like the mother to all of the men down underground promising them salvation and freedom from the torment of the catacombs and tiny houses that they suffer and work to the bone in day in and day out. Maria is almost like a savior, but th...
Fritz Lang's Metropolis is a very powerful movie with various underlying meanings that allow the viewer to determine for himself. The movie itself is extremely difficult and hard to follow, although the essay "The Vamp and the Machine: Technology and Sexuality in Fritz Lang's Metropolis" written by Andreas Huyssen provided many helpful insights to aid in understanding the movie. Many of Huyssen's idea's are a bit extreme, but none the less the essay is very beneficial. His extreme views include ideas of castration and how it relates with the female robot, and sexulaity and how it relates technology. Although these ideas are extreme he does also provide many interesting ideas.
These examples display the inevitable fact that all over the world subtle but significant events are taking place that appear to signify a shifting toward a totalitarian government, much like the one present in 1984. This is extremely disturbing because most people will agree that the life lived by the characters in 1984, is not one of any value. Though they are “protected” from several of the problems that many of the free world citizens and officials face, they have no control over their thoughts or actions. This leads to unbearable uniformity. It is chilling to know that though George Orwell’s book was written as fiction, portions of it are becoming factual.
“WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” Part 1,Chapter 1,pg. 6. These three principles were repeatedly emphasized throughout the book and helped lay the foundation of the dystopian society George Orwell imagined in his novel 1984. Fear, manipulation, and control were all encompassed throughout this dystopian society set in the distant future. The freedom to express ones thoughts was no longer acceptable and would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Humankind was rapidly transforming into a corrupt and evil state of mind.
In the novel 1984, George Orwell elaborates on the idea of an autocratic government. This novel describes Orwell’s views on the dark, twisted form of government that he believes will develop in future years. The culture he created for this story was the most horrifying, troubling place a person could reside. The goals of the Party consisted of keeping the citizens squared away and oblivious to the unethical actions taking place around them. This unrealistic society gave Orwell the opportunity to create a vision of what a future communist nation might resemble. The purpose of this work is believed to be informative to citizens of how the government impacts our way of thinking, living, and believing. Fear from the citizens is used as manipulation by the government; this means the government shapes the citizens that will not conform to their society. Throughout this writing, the author remains in a dark, cold mood; thus, creating the feeling of negativity and opposition to the government. Ethical appeal is revealed in this
Upon my reading of the novel 1984, I was fascinated by George Orwell’s vision of the future. Orwell describes a world so extreme that a question comes to mind, asking what would encourage him to write such a novel. 1984 took place in the future, but it seemed like it was happening in the past. George Orwell was born in 1903 and died in 1950; he has seen the horrific tides of World War ² and Ï. As I got deeper into this novel I began to see similar events of world history built into 1984.
I will be focusing on 4 different areas of totalitarian techniques used in history which Orwell also conceptualize and parallels in writing 1984: New Generation; Authority & Violence; Propaganda; and Cutting Sources & Rewriting History.
Commonalities and dissimilarities of values and attitudes drawn from various contextual concerns allow audiences to recognise the resonance of context on changing perspectives. Contrasting historical contexts in Fritz Lang 's expressionistic film, Metropolis (1927) and George Orwell 's dystopian novel, 1984 (1948) confirms the extent to which texts from diverging contexts converge on inherent matters, as depicted in their scrutiny of the exploitation of power by unchallengeable authorities. Conversely, the texts ' analogous notions of the destructive potential of innovation forewarns responders of the possible consequences of unchecked scientific advancements. Therefore, through comparison of the above texts, audiences realize how variation
George Orwell’s haunting dystopian novel 1984 delves into the closely monitored lives of the citizens of Oceania as the Party tries to take control of society. In totalitarianism, propaganda and terrorism are ways of subjugation with a main goal: total obedience. He aimed to create a “what if” novel, what would happen if totalitarian regimes, such as the Nazis and Soviets, were to take over the world. If totalitarianism were to happen, the leader would be the brain of the whole system. Orwell emphasizes the theme of individualism versus collective identity through Winston, the protagonist, and his defiance to the Party and Big Brother, with a frightening tone, surreal imagery and a third person limited point of view.
In the novel 1984, Orwell produced a social critique on totalitarianism and a future dystopia that made the world pause and think about our past, present and future. When reading this novel we all must take the time to think of the possibility that Orwell's world could come to pass. Orwell presents the concepts of power, marginalization, and resistance through physical, psychological, sexual and political control of the people of Oceania. The reader experiences the emotional ride through the eyes of Winston Smith, who was born into the oppressive life under the rule of Ingsoc. Readers are encouraged through Winston to adopt a negative opinion on the idea of communist rule and the inherent dangers of totalitarianism. The psychological manipulation and physical control are explored through Winston's journey, and with Winston's resistance and ultimate downfall, the reader is able to fully appreciate O'Briens reasoning, "Power is not a means, it is an end."
Similar to Freder, Orwell’s hero, Winston, serves as a vehicle for the audience to empathise with the composer’s revulsion of such tyrannical institutions, through the first person narration in “his mother’s death was…sorrowful in a way that was no longer possible.” The unequivocal tone emphasises the paucity of emotion that pervades Oceania, and thus the dehumanisation of society, reiterated by the simile “they swallowed it with the stupidity of an animal.” Here, the collective pronoun “they” suggests that the masses have lost their individuality, paralleling the workers in Metropolis as highlighted by their uniform. Sharing Lang’s fear of technological repression, Orwell’s satirical attack on totalitarianism is furthered by the hyperbolic
From a scholarly point of view, the film accurately depicts the lifestyle of a factory worker in the timeframe. Workers would stand on an assembly line and repeat the same action day in and day out. The film also depicts the transition of the human dependency of machines very well. The workers would work at the pace of the machines. The film also had metaphors of humans being controlled by machines when the main actor was sucked into the pulley system of a machine. The film also has a scene where there is a machine that automatically feeds humans.