General ideas between 1984 and Metropolis

Control
Elements of technology not only just technology, but misuse and
corruptive potential of technology
Construction of gender
Marxism vs. Capitalism
Social inequality
Architecture and significance of architecture and setting as a
metaphor for burgeoning capitalism of the 20th century
Futuristic visions
Notions of dualism duplicity and dualism
Ethics and morality of commerce ties into notion of capitalism
Good vs. evil be careful if going down this path
Ideas

from 1984
Control
Physical manipulation of information and history
Language as a tool of control socially, intellectually and
emotionally
Ethics and morality
Social hierarchy
Tensions between pressure to conform and desire to resist
Dystopia
Gender and relationships
Manipulation of individuals
Isolation as a tool of power
Technology