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Possible inspiration for the Mary/Maria duality?

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by LennethValkyrie
Forgive me if this sounds too contrived, but I can't help but relate Mary and Maria to Maria and Parody from Metropolis.

Besides being similar in namesake, Mary Sunderland's dress reminds me of what Bridgette Helm wore when she played the role of Maria.

Image

Sure, the style is a bit off, but I think that Mary's clothes look out of place for a game set in a fairly recent time, especially when the stuff James wears seems more modern. The similarity brings me to believe that Mary's design was made with a subtle reference to this other maria in mind.

Also, a major plot point in Metropolis is that Maria is kidnapped and her likeness given to a robot that's sole purpose is to be an over-sexualized version of Maria herself. Just as Maria was constructed from James' wish to have a sexual and more lively Mary.

This false Maria (called Parody) goes off to a local night club to dance and instill lust in men in order to cause chaos. Sorta like what Maria does in heaven's night, or at least is hinted to have done.

And finally, Freder, the main character of Metropolis, falls for Maria in the first minutes of the movie. The movie deals with his search for his divine Maria, who once found, is captured and replaced with the sexual parody leaving Freder in shambles..

I couldn't help but notice these parallels despite the large difference in theme between the two materials. Do you think it's possible that Metropolis played a part in the conception of the Mary and Maria duality? Metropolis is highly regarded worldwide I believe, I would think at least a few members of team silent could have known of it.

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by AuraTwilight
That's....um...wow, that's pretty evocative.

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by LennethValkyrie
AuraTwilight wrote:That's....um...wow, that's pretty evocative.
That's sarcasm, right?

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by alone in the town
I don't think so, because I agree with him and I'm not being sarcastic.

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by AuraTwilight
Yea, if I'm being sarcastic, there's no room for doubt. I actually find that strikingly amazing, and doubt it being a coincidence.

If I was sarcastic, I'd of just said "Yea, sure, right."

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by LennethValkyrie
:mrgreen:

Sorry, I'm just a little paranoid. I'm glad you guys think so too. I've always thought this was striking.

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by simeonalo
That's an amazing find!

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by Kaiza Killa
I love the film. I find it an interesting comparison. Thank you for your insight.

I will admit that I always found the Maria character in Metropolis (1927) to be quite attractive.


H+

Posted: 03 Jun 2010
by LennethValkyrie
Yes, I always thought Bridgette Helm to be an ethereal beauty. Wish she was more well known outside of this movie.

Posted: 22 Jul 2010
by christoiwas
Yeah its quite possible!
Also Maria seems to be a direct copy of Christina Aguilera from the 1999 teen choice awards, so why not find inspiration for other characters?

I wonder if James was adapted from someone too? :shock:

Posted: 23 Jul 2010
by Anamaria
christoiwas wrote:Yeah its quite possible!
Also Maria seems to be a direct copy of Christina Aguilera from the 1999 teen choice awards, so why not find inspiration for other characters?

I wonder if James was adapted from someone too? :shock:
When it comes to looks James always reminded me of that one firefighter from Rescue Me...you know, the one. XD

Or even better, Aaron Eckhart.

I doubt either of them were inspirations for the character of James. :P

As, for the Metropolis thing, it seems quite likely.

Posted: 23 Jul 2010
by Harrys_Girl
Yet another possible influence.


How many times has this story been retold? I am beginning to think SH2 should be stripped of its "Most Unique Twist in a Video Game" title... it is really just a modern retelling of a fable... I wonder where this original idea of "Mary/Maria" began. :|

Posted: 23 Jul 2010
by Brodie
Whoa She look SO.... Cool

Posted: 23 Jul 2010
by Mr. Domino
christoiwas wrote: I wonder if James was adapted from someone too? :shock:
James was based more or less on Jake Singer from Jacob's Ladder. His clothes are almost identical (just as Mary's clothes are near-identical to Maria's), and his mannerisms and reactions to situations are similar.

Posted: 29 Jul 2010
by christoiwas
Mr. Domino wrote: James was based more or less on Jake Singer from Jacob's Ladder. His clothes are almost identical (just as Mary's clothes are near-identical to Maria's), and his mannerisms and reactions to situations are similar.
Hmm,
I watched it last night, (Your post had me wondering).
I guess I can see the references, although Jake Singer was a brunette, wore glasses, a doctor (more or less) and our hero James is about as simple as an 80s cell phone.

Still, similarities none the less.
Did James spend any time in the army?
I know he wore a green army Jacket, but I haven't noticed any soldier like habits or links?

Posted: 29 Jul 2010
by The Adversary
A doctor? Jacob Singer may have had a Ph.D, but he wasn't a doctor. Post-Vietnam, he worked in the Post Office . . . as a mail clerk.

Posted: 30 Jul 2010
by christoiwas
The Adversary wrote:A doctor? Jacob Singer may have had a Ph.D, but he wasn't a doctor. Post-Vietnam, he worked in the Post Office . . . as a mail clerk.
Well he was definitely in academia!
He worked in the Mail office because he "Didn't have to think so much".
His Chiropractor also mentions 'his brain was going to waste' at the mail office.
Like I said, I just watched it this week so Im quite sure!

Posted: 30 Jul 2010
by Noble Kale
Nice find. I've never seen the movie now I will have too.

Posted: 30 Jul 2010
by The Adversary
>Well he was definitely in academia!<
Right. He had a Ph.D. He wasn't a doctor. Having one doesn't instantly make you the other.

Posted: 31 Jul 2010
by LuciaInFurs
Only... it does. Someone with a PHD is refereed to as Doctor. That would make him Doctor Singer