Metropolis, Religion and Cinematography:

I previously watched Metropolis in a film class I took senior year of high school. The specific shot that I find most interesting is the one where Rotwang rises out of the trapdoor leading down to the catacombs, and Maria scampers back against the wall in fear. The shot is an OTS (over the shoulder) from behind Rotwang (who is in a rather hunched position-close to the separation between the upper ground and underground). The lighting in the shot exemplifies the features of Maria’s face, making her the only lit object in the shot. The shot not only illustrates the dichotomy between good and evil, but also connotes an image that deals with the battle between God and the Devil. Maria, being the holy object in the picture looms above Rotwang, who is rising up from the dark ground (hell). The camera work does an excellent job of creating a visual line between the upper ground (heaven) and underground (hell). Though Rotwang initially physically overpowers Maria, her superior stance in the shot (her lofty position in the frame) foreshadows her victory over Rotwang and his evil tendencies.