Heinz Schulz-Neudamm’s three-sheet poster for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis is a testament to the power of graphic design in conveying the essence of a film. His masterful composition, use of color and typography, and the ability to encapsulate the film’s themes in a single image have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
In the realm of cinematic artistry, few films have left as indelible a mark on both cinema and popular culture as Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent masterpiece, “Metropolis.” The iconic sci-fi dystopian film was once among the most expensive movies ever made.
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A monumental work of science fiction and German expressionism, this groundbreaking film wove together a captivating narrative with visionary set designs, groundbreaking special effects, and a powerful commentary on industrialization and society.
Yet, beyond the confines of the silver screen, another artistic creation was poised to etch itself into history: the iconic three-sheet poster designed by the German graphic artist Heinz Schulz-Neudamm.
Heinz Schulz-Neudamm: The Creative Genius Behind Metropolis Iconic Three-Sheet Poster
Heinz Schulz-Neudamm was born on January 19, 1883, in Bremen, Germany. He would go on to become one of the most celebrated graphic artists of his time, with his talents spanning across various creative fields, including graphic design, book illustration, and even stage set design.
However, it was his collaboration with Fritz Lang on “Metropolis” that would catapult him into legendary status within the world of film posters.
The “Metropolis” three-sheet poster is a masterclass in graphic design, encapsulating the film’s themes and atmosphere in a single, striking image. Schulz-Neudamm’s design is a visual symphony of bold lines, stark contrast, and intricate detail, all harmoniously blended to create an unforgettable composition.
At its core, the poster features the visage of the iconic Robotrix, Maria, a character central to the film’s plot and symbolism.
Left: Three-sheet poster for the 1927 German film Metropolis depicting the Maschinenmensch (Machine-person) in front of the titular dystopian city of the future. This version of the poster accompanied its world premiere and domestic theatrical release in Germany.
Middle: An international version of the same poster used the same illustration and design without the German-language credits.
Right: The Austrian National Library museum holds one of four surviving copies of the international version of the Metropolis movie poster. Note the folds.
Metropolis movie poster design
The poster’s choice of colors is significant. Schulz-Neudamm opted for a palette dominated by dark blues and blacks, effectively conveying the film’s dystopian setting and eerie ambiance. The contrast between light and dark is expertly utilized, with Maria’s glowing eyes piercing through the gloom, symbolizing both hope and despair—a central theme of “Metropolis.”
One cannot help but be captivated by the way Schulz-Neudamm frames his subject. Maria’s outstretched arms form a cruciform silhouette, a potent religious symbol that underscores the film’s exploration of power and faith.
Her powerful, almost hypnotic gaze seems to reach out to the viewer, drawing them into the mysterious world of “Metropolis.”
Schulz-Neudamm’s typography is equally impressive. The film’s title is boldly emblazoned across the top, its letters reminiscent of industrial architecture—a nod to the film’s overarching themes of mechanization and societal divide.
The font choice and placement effectively merge the film’s title with its visual elements, creating a seamless design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and conceptually rich.
The three-sheet poster’s impact was immediate and profound. It became an instant classic and remains a sought-after collector’s item to this day. Schulz-Neudamm’s design not only served as an essential marketing tool for the film but also contributed to its lasting legacy.
It captured the essence of “Metropolis” and invited audiences into its enigmatic world long before they stepped foot in the cinema.
Beyond “Metropolis,” Heinz Schulz-Neudamm continued to shape the world of graphic design with his visionary work. His talent and creativity extended to other notable film posters, including those for “The Blue Angel” and “The Testament of Dr. Mabuse.”
Schulz-Neudamm’s contributions to the cinematic arts solidify his place as a true pioneer in the field of graphic design.
Metropolis poster at auction
Only four surviving copies of the international version of the Metropolis poster are known to exist. Renowned for its groundbreaking use of special effects, one of these copies is reportedly owned by Leonardo DiCaprio, while the Museum of Modern Art and the Austrian National Library museum possess the others.
In 2012, the fourth rare Metropolis poster was entangled in a complex bankruptcy case and was eventually auctioned off for a staggering $1.2 million. This auction did not establish a new record since it was part of a larger collection of memorabilia. Alongside this international Metropolis poster from the 1927 Fritz Lang classic, the auction also featured posters from King Kong, The Invisible Man, Arsenic and Old Lace, the original painting of Elvis Presley used for the Jailhouse Rock poster, and various other pieces of memorabilia.
The winning bidder in this intense auction was Ralph DeLuca, a collector and dealer. “I think I’ll keep the poster unless I get overwhelmed with a ‘Guinness Book of Records’ offer,” he said. “I believe it will be the first to go past $1 million and even hit $2 million.”
What is a Three-Sheet Poster?
A Three-Sheet Poster is a type of movie poster that is typically larger than the standard one-sheet poster used for promoting films. These posters are called “three-sheet” because they are usually made up of three separate sheets of paper that are meant to be displayed together to create a larger, eye-catching advertisement for a movie.
Three-sheet posters are often used for promotional purposes in theaters and other large display areas. They are much larger than one-sheet posters, which are typically about 27 inches by 41 inches (69 cm by 104 cm). In contrast, three-sheet posters can measure around 41 inches by 81 inches (104 cm by 206 cm) or even larger, depending on the specific design and era.
These posters typically feature striking artwork, photographs of the film’s stars, and other promotional graphics to attract the attention of potential moviegoers. While they are less common today due to the shift towards digital marketing and advertising, three-sheet posters remain collectible items for movie enthusiasts and collectors.
Schulz-Neudamm’s work serves as a timeless reminder of the artistic synergy that can exist between film and graphic design, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists and filmmakers to this day.
Further Reading
Amazon search on Metropolis reveals posters, copies of the film and more
Vintage Hollywood Posters III by Bruce Hershenson
Vintage Hollywood Posters II by Bruce Hershenson
Vintage Hollywood Posters by Richard Allen
Vintage Hollywood Posters IV by Bruce Hershenson
Crime Scenes : Movie Poster Art of the Film Noir: The Classic Period : 1941-1959 by Lawrence Bassoff
Film Posters of the ’70s: The Essential Movies of the Decade by Tony Nourmand
Film Posters of the 60s: The Essential Movies of the Decade : From the Reel Postery Gallery Collection by Tony Nourmand
Film Posters of the 50’s: The Essential Movies of the Decade by Tony Nourmand
Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movie Posters (The Illustrated History of Movies Through Posters, Volume 11) by Bruce Hershenson
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