The Man Machine

This passed friday I had the pleasure of traveling in time back to 1927.

I attended a viewing of the movie Metropolis, originally released in 1927, at the Orpheum theater, which opened in 1926. Much of what was stated as being the original composition created for the movie was played on the theaters original Wurlitzer Organ.

Not one aspect of this experience dissapointed. I was rather tense from a long day at work when I arrived and thought that the crowd or our seats in the balcony where going to make for a dissapointing evening. But as soon as the babbling presenters left the stage so that the organ player could work his magic....the whole experience was a dream.

The movie is probably one of very few silents that can stand the test of time and command Ooh's and Ah's in a day and age where computer graphics have claimed to portray the impossible. Fritz Lang surpassed all limits when making this film. The only thing that really felt dated was the acting, which was simply an essential result due to the lack of sound to express essential words and expressions.

The venue itself has been gloriously refurbished and is only held back by its surroundings in downtown's currently dilapidated state. But with many loft spaces opening around it and the Broadway bar next door, I hope the Orpheum is utilized more.