David Bowie's Tribute to 'Metropolis': The Man Who Sold the World
David Bowie, a legendary musical artist, was also a fan of film and television as art forms. He admired Fritz Lang's 1927 sci-fi film "Metropolis" and even attempted to acquire the rights to it at one point. The movie, set in a futuristic city divided between the working class and city planners, has left a lasting legacy nearly a century later.
Bowie planned to pay tribute to "Metropolis" with an album initially titled "Metrobolist," later changed to "The Man Who Sold the World." During his time in Berlin, where expressionism thrived, Bowie drew inspiration from Lang's film for his work, including the set design for his "Diamond Dogs" tour.
Despite his admiration for "Metropolis," Bowie's attempt to buy the rights to the film was unsuccessful as he was outbid by Giorgio Moroder, a friend and collaborator. Moroder's version of the film, with a new musical score, was released in 1984, showcasing unseen scenes but receiving mixed reviews.
Bowie's vision for a restored version of "Metropolis" remains a mystery, as Moroder's rendition took precedence. The enduring reputation of the film, as evidenced by recent attempts like Sam Esmail's scrapped TV series, highlights its lasting impact on popular culture and Bowie's fascination with it.