So many films ... so little time ...
It was on this day in the great nation of Germany that the good people of Berlin were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere of The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari. From what I've been able to ascertain, the picture opened widely across the country on the very next day, but this was its very first public exhibition ... and I think that serves as Today's High Point In Horror History.
Directed by Robert Wiene, the story sprang from the minds of Carl Mayer and Hans Janowitz. The film starred Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Feher, Lil Dagover, Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, Rudolf Lettinger, Rudolf Klein-Rogge among others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Francis, a young man, recalls in his memory the horrible experiences he and his fiancée Jane recently went through. It is the annual fair in Holstenwall. Francis and his friend Alan visit The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, an exhibit where the mysterious doctor shows the somnambulist Cesare, and awakens him for some moments from his death-like sleep. When Alan asks Cesare about his future, Cesare answers that he will die before dawn. The next morning Alan is found dead. Francis suspects Cesare of being the murderer, and starts spying on him and Dr. Caligari. The following night Cesare is going to stab Jane in her bed, but softens when he sees the beautiful woman, and instead of committing another murder, he abducts her. Jane's father awakens because of the noise, and he and some servants follow the fleeing Cesare. When Cesare cannot outrun his pursuers anymore, he gently places Jane down on the ground, and runs away. Francis and the police investigate the caravan of Dr. Caligari, but the doctor succeeds in slipping away. Francis pursues the fleeing Dr. Caligari, and sees him disappear into a madhouse. Francis enters the madhouse, where he is sure he will find the truth behind all these mysterious events."
While I've only seen bits and pieces of Caligari, I can attest to the strength of its visuals, mostly, in weaving its arresting story. But rather than have me stumble and jumble my way trying to explain why it's a stand-out picture, I've done the noble copy-and-paste from Google.com below. Take a gander -- and check out the flick in its entirety if you wish -- and celebrate its horrific goodness.
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
It was on this day in the great nation of Germany that the good people of Berlin were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere of The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari. From what I've been able to ascertain, the picture opened widely across the country on the very next day, but this was its very first public exhibition ... and I think that serves as Today's High Point In Horror History.
Directed by Robert Wiene, the story sprang from the minds of Carl Mayer and Hans Janowitz. The film starred Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Feher, Lil Dagover, Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, Rudolf Lettinger, Rudolf Klein-Rogge among others. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Francis, a young man, recalls in his memory the horrible experiences he and his fiancée Jane recently went through. It is the annual fair in Holstenwall. Francis and his friend Alan visit The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, an exhibit where the mysterious doctor shows the somnambulist Cesare, and awakens him for some moments from his death-like sleep. When Alan asks Cesare about his future, Cesare answers that he will die before dawn. The next morning Alan is found dead. Francis suspects Cesare of being the murderer, and starts spying on him and Dr. Caligari. The following night Cesare is going to stab Jane in her bed, but softens when he sees the beautiful woman, and instead of committing another murder, he abducts her. Jane's father awakens because of the noise, and he and some servants follow the fleeing Cesare. When Cesare cannot outrun his pursuers anymore, he gently places Jane down on the ground, and runs away. Francis and the police investigate the caravan of Dr. Caligari, but the doctor succeeds in slipping away. Francis pursues the fleeing Dr. Caligari, and sees him disappear into a madhouse. Francis enters the madhouse, where he is sure he will find the truth behind all these mysterious events."
While I've only seen bits and pieces of Caligari, I can attest to the strength of its visuals, mostly, in weaving its arresting story. But rather than have me stumble and jumble my way trying to explain why it's a stand-out picture, I've done the noble copy-and-paste from Google.com below. Take a gander -- and check out the flick in its entirety if you wish -- and celebrate its horrific goodness.
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
Question: Why Is 1920's 'The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari' Such A Highly Regarded Film?
[Source: Google.com]
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) is considered a landmark in film history because it:
Influenced other filmmakers
It influenced many filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, Terry Gilliam, Guillermo del Toro, and Tim Burton.
Helped launch a German film golden age
It helped launch a period of German film that included Nosferatu (1922), Metropolis (1926), and M (1931).
Influenced modern film
Its emphasis on psychological tension, surrealism, and atmospheric storytelling continue to impact movies today.
Influenced Twin Peaks, Lost Highway, and Mulholland Drive
These films had disturbing plot twists and a duality of tone that were inspired by The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.
Pioneered German Expressionism
It was the first film in the German Expressionist movement, which broke from realism to prioritize the artist's subjective experience.
Influenced horror film
It's considered by some to be the first true horror film.
Influenced film noir
Its use of design and lighting to convey emotion influenced the Hollywood style of film noir.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) is considered a landmark in film history because it:
Influenced other filmmakers
It influenced many filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, Terry Gilliam, Guillermo del Toro, and Tim Burton.
Helped launch a German film golden age
It helped launch a period of German film that included Nosferatu (1922), Metropolis (1926), and M (1931).
Influenced modern film
Its emphasis on psychological tension, surrealism, and atmospheric storytelling continue to impact movies today.
Influenced Twin Peaks, Lost Highway, and Mulholland Drive
These films had disturbing plot twists and a duality of tone that were inspired by The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.
Pioneered German Expressionism
It was the first film in the German Expressionist movement, which broke from realism to prioritize the artist's subjective experience.
Influenced horror film
It's considered by some to be the first true horror film.
Influenced film noir
Its use of design and lighting to convey emotion influenced the Hollywood style of film noir.
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