Metropolis

Metropolis (1927)
IMDB #91 [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/]

The Gist:
The film's set up reminded me of the Time Machine. You have a separation of class that is so extreme it is divided by the ruling class living above ground and the working class living below. In the Time Machine, this act eventually strips each sect of some vital aspect of their humanity. In Metropolis, this division merely stands for tension, for potential revolt, and for misunderstanding. If I had a qualm with the film, it is that it feels like the first fifty minutes are a set up for the last hour or so. Beyond that, the film is as great a spectacle as you'll see from the pre-sound era. Beautiful and bizarre sets, fascinating theatrical German expressionistic performances (especially the robot girl, love the robot girl), and little visual touches like a scene where a flashlight follows a desperately fleeing woman in otherwise pitch black. You can see why the film has become a continual inspiration in other directors' visual approach.