Thea von Harbou
Biography
Thea von Harbou (1888–1954) was a German novelist, screenwriter, and film director. She is best known for her screenwriting collaborations with her husband Fritz Lang, including the scripts for Metropolis (1927), M (1931), and other landmark films of German Expressionist cinema. Her novel Metropolis (1925), written simultaneously with the screenplay, envisions a dystopian future city divided between wealthy elites and oppressed workers. After her divorce from Lang and his emigration, von Harbou remained in Germany during the Nazi era, a decision that has complicated her legacy.
Common themes in Thea von Harbou's work
German Expressionism
A recurring theme throughout Thea von Harbou's writing.
Dystopian fiction
A recurring theme throughout Thea von Harbou's writing.
Science fiction
A recurring theme throughout Thea von Harbou's writing.
Class division
A recurring theme throughout Thea von Harbou's writing.
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Why Thea von Harbou is still read today
Metropolis remains one of the most influential science fiction works of the twentieth century. Von Harbou’s dystopian vision of class division and technology’s double-edged nature continues to resonate in modern science fiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Thea von Harbou?
Thea von Harbou was a German novelist and screenwriter who co-created Metropolis with Fritz Lang. Read her novel free on TextStack.
Is the Metropolis novel different from the film?
The novel and screenplay were written simultaneously. The novel provides more detail and backstory than the film.
What is Metropolis about?
A dystopian future city divided between wealthy elites living in luxury above and workers toiling in underground factories.
Where can I read Thea von Harbou online?
TextStack offers the Metropolis novel free to read online.
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