Detroit techno icon Jeff Mills has created a new electronic score for Fritz Langâs 1927 classic film Metropolis.
âMetropolis Metropolis’ is Millsâs second soundtrack for the film, with the first, âMetropolisâ being released in 2000.
While the first score focused on creating music for specific scenes in the film, the new album reflects the overall storyline and plot, with Mills choosing to create music that would reflect the overall moods of the film, rather than âpure transcriptionâ, according to a press statement.
The soundtrack blends electronic music with classical elements â a nod to the filmâs taking place in the year 2000 and its theme of finding common ground between man and machine.
First released in 1927, the film takes place in a futuristic, dystopian year 2000 based on Thea von Harbouâs 1925 novel of the same name. It depicts a world where rich overlords rule over the working class, who live and work endlessly beneath the city.
Speaking about âMetropolis Metropolisâ, Mills said: âCreating music for Fritz Langâs masterpiece film Metropolis over the many year[s] has been and continues to be a great experience.
âThe film is a story about âman vs manâ with the help of a machine,â he continued. âIts dramatic theme is as relevant now as it was when the film debuted in 1927.
âA film to be enjoyed, but also noted and examined.â
Despite the film being silent, Mills isnât the only electronic music artist to take inspiration from the classic movie. The name of Kraftwerkâs classic 1978 album âDie Mensch-Maschineâ, is taken from the Maschinenmensch robot of Langâs film.
Kraftwerkâs Ralf HĂŒtter once said: âWe were very much influenced by the futuristic silent films of Fritz Lang; Metropolis and Dr Mabuse.
âWe are the band of Metropolis,â he continued. âWe feel that our music is a continuation of this early futurism.â
Originally reported by MixMag.
