Movies from German Expressionism are dark, there's no denying that! Their
themes delve into the exploration of paranoia, fear, and schizophrenia
through mise-en-scène, cinematography and lighting. They also have a
signature theatrical style with frequent associations to graphic art.
These characteristics make German Expressionism a fascinating movement
whose legacies are visible even in modern cinematography.
Characteristics of German Expressionism
High angles
Deep shadows/ chiaroscuro lighting
Extreme camera tilting
Impossible sets
Icons of German Expressionism
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) by Robert Weine
At a carnival in Germany, Francis (Friedrich Feher) and his friend
Alan (Rudolf Lettinger) encounter the crazed Dr. Caligari (Werner
Krauss). The men see Caligari showing off his somnambulist, Cesare
(Conrad Veidt), a hypnotized man who the doctor claims can see into
the future. Shockingly, Cesare then predicts Alan's death, and by
morning his chilling prophecy has come true -- making Cesare the prime
suspect. However, is Cesare guilty, or is the doctor controlling him?
Written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
was based on the writers' experiences as WWI soldiers and their
distrust of authoritarian leadership. The filmmakers chose to
deliberately distort reality in order to disorient the audience to
invoke a feeling of the time rather than a truthful or realistic
depiction.
Hutter is sent by his master to finalise a deal with Count Orlok.
However, he soon learns that Orlok is a vampire who has his eyes set
on Hutter's wife, Ellen.
The grandfather of all vampire movies that set the bar for every
horror movie to come after. F.W. Murnau's film is a thinly veiled
adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." And it holds up today as one of
the most visually effective horror films.
This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly
stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists
above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the
privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene
under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends
the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at
odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.
Fritz Lang's silent film uses expressionist imagery to comment on
technology consuming society. The film is deep in exaggerated imagery
heightening the emotion that drives the plot.
Fast forward to contemporary cinematography, it is not difficult to spot
features of German Expressionism in movies such as...
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) by Tim Burton
Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween Town, finds Christmas Town
and is instantly enchanted. The situation becomes riveting when his
obsession with Christmas leads him to abduct Santa Claus.
Ofelia moves with her mother to her stepfather's house. At night, a
fairy leads her to a faun who informs her that she is a princess and
she needs to participate in three tasks to prove her royalty.
