A Look at Marxist Views in Film

A Look at Marxist Views in Film

The 1927 German expressionist film Metropolis directed by Fritz Lang, and the 1999 American science-fiction film The Matrix directed by Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski, are both clearly films with Marxist views of society. The directors tell the story of dualism and class separation using symbolism, setting, and imagery. The use of these techniques by the directors tell the story of the struggles of the lower class and the role they play in helping the upper class become rich and powerful while the poor, through all their labor, have no real benefit to themselves.

Both Metropolis and The Matrix use symbolism throughout the films to express the views of class in society. The identity of social class derives from its relationship to the means of production. Humans in The Matrix and the workers in Metropolis are considered to be the lower end of the capitalist society. These entities work harder than anyone else for production but through the ideals of Marx they never move forward. These ideals are portrayed in The Matrix when Neo is awakened and because of his enlightenment the machines try to flush him out of the system. Also in Metropolis the discovery of Freder that life is not bliss for everyone in their Garden of Eden, and there is class division. This realization by Freder defines class consciousness. The awakening of the humans and the workers symbolize class consciousness which is another play on Marxism. Through this they learn of their past and continuing exploitation which ultimately by Marx ideals leads to revolution.

The use of imagery in Metropolis comes forth in the scene that depicts the machines as Moloch and the workers are marching into his mouth as a sacrifice. These sacrifices are made to renew the strength of the machines or show the power of the Bourgeoisie who own the means of production over the Proletariat who are individuals who sell their labor power. The use of imagery in The Matrix comes forth when Neo realizes he has been a bound prisoner looking at the shadows of the Matrix. Only to realize that all he had to do was turn around to see the true reality. That reality conforms to Marxist theory of class separation. Neo is asked to take the red pill which will supposedly lead him to fantasy land. This also is a use of imagery because red is almost always associated with Marxism. This also leads into the ideal of false consciousness where average people are ignorant to their own best interests and exploited by rulers who create and capitalize on that ignorance.

The use of setting in both films also portrays the views of Marx. The setting of Metropolis is that of a hierarchal caste based map in the design of the city itself, with the big beautiful paradise flourishing on top of the dungeon type workers city. Knowing it is the workers who built both and keep both running while the upper class enjoy the spoils.