Utopia Surrounded by Poverty
From the very first movie with cyberpunk themes - Metropolis - we find a recurring theme of utopian cities surrounded by destitute poverty. Usually the poverty stricken masses are the servants of the elite who live in the utopian city. Often, the inhabitants of the city consider themselves to be the last remnants of an enlightened society. Yet, through their actions to protect “humanity,” they end up destroying its very essence.
Like all of my themes categories, I don’t distinguish here between movies and animes (which are very influential in cyberpunk) - you will see both listed. And yes, I realize I don’t have all cyberpunk android movies listed…yet. I’m still in the process of uploading my reviews. If you have one in mind that you don’t see here, let me know, and I’ll bump it up in priority.
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2 Comments on Utopia Surrounded by Poverty »
August 31, 2007
rednotdead @ 6:13 am:
I would think that Ergo Proxy should be added to this list. The poverty stricken areas outside Romdeau in that anime aren’t really “serving” the cities, but the people in the utopias do see themsleves as the last of humanity, and do eventually get destroyed in a way.
September 14, 2007
Illusive Mind @ 3:50 am:
Great category, althout “utopia” may be too strong a distinction, extreme wealth surrounded by poverty would probably suffice in the dystopic lands of cyberpunk.