The Working Class vs. The Upper Class
             Movies must contain some sort of plot or conflict in order to make them interesting. In Metropolis, a definite social conflict emerges between the workers and their ruthless boss, John Frederson. This conflict is due to the major differences in the lives of the working class and upper class. The clear division in society provides a basis in which the revolt is able to erupt in the first place. At the bottom of society lie the pitiful workers, with the ruthless machine that controls them above. At the top, lies the rich upper class, particularly the "Brain," John Frederson.
             In Metropolis, the workers are depressed, over-worked, and short-lived. Not only men work this terrible and dangerous job, but very young boys too. The workers are depressed since they all enter the factory, which resembles hell, early in the morning together, with their heads all hung down. They work a long shift that lasts ten hours. This is obvious due to the fact that the clock on the wall runs only until 10:00. Only working hours count. This machine, ironically resembling the Pagan god Moloch, runs continuously, producing overwhelming tasks for the workers as it devours them. Therefore, this horrible machine enslaves its workers, rendering them helpless against its unmerciful wrath.
             Unlike the working class, the upper class in Metropolis lives a joyous, yet unproductive, and easy lifestyle. The main character, Frederson's son, is seen playing around in a garden with a pretty little nymph. This scene portrays the upper class as people who waste their time away by involving themselves in unconstructive activities. Not only is the higher society not aiding the workers in their demanding job, but it does not even seem to care about the workers' inhumane condition or health. For example, when the main character goes to his father about what he has seen underground, the father just tur...