1. GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM
What is it?
Art movement post WW I in Germany
Reflected the darkness, violence, and chaos of the country after its defeat
Provided a nightmare interpretation of reality/life through art

2. STYLISTIC FEATURES in film
Highly stylized
Angular camera framing-sharp lines, canted angles
Unexpected camera movement
Light contrasted with dark shadows
Emphasis on mise en scene
Overly theatrical (acting, sets, make up)

3. NARRATIVE FEATURES in film
Usually urban
Anti-heroic characters
Madness, paranoia, evil
Complex: split/doubled stories, flashbacks

4. AIMS/PURPOSE
Transform reality
Utilize objects/sets to be symbolic of emotional states
Critique middle class values
Highlight the alienation and irrationality of modern life

5. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
(1920)

10. LEGACY
Influenced
horror genre
Influenced film
noir

11. TIM BURTON

12. ***Try Looking at Movies DVD, chapter 3
.35 to 1.15 (Dr. Caligari)
.2:10 to 4.16 (Edward Scissorhands)
Take a look at log sheet and film noir