Dr. Caligari as German Expressionism essays

Dr. Caligari as German Expressionism essays The German Expressionist cinema began in 1919 and was itself essentially an opposite of Impressionism. While Impressionism dealt more with giving an outward impression of an object, Expressionism sought to induce the emotional feel an object invokes on itself. Seemingly most often, Expressionist art is more about the artist than the subject. More importantly, however, is the fact that all definitions of "Expressionism" describe it as a theory of art that expresses feelings in an abstract way. The world may still be confusing, but some answers are found. Created by a people in effect displaced within their own country and society, German Expressionist films portray their own sense of displacement. It is not surprising then, that German Expressionism came to dominate horror and artistic cinema in the silent era. German Expressionism was more innovative and influential than any other film genre in the 1920s. It opened new doors to the possibilities of filmmaking, and the places an audience could be carried by them. German filmmakers began to create sets that personified the inner feelings of the characters set within them. The audience was able to visually identify the essential feelings of the action taking place because the scenes took elements of reality-based design and altered them to suit the mood. More over, German Expressionist film also advanced in two chief aspects of production beliefs. The first was the use of a studio for all aspects of shooting: absolute control was only possible if all sets and action took place within a studio. The other, more commonly seen in modern cinema, was the concept of giving an audience precisely what it wanted. Therefore, it was not surprising that while German Expressionist films were not always received well by the critics, they were most often quite successful at the box offices. In general, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is looked upon as the film which first brought Expressi...