Year: 1920
Country: Germany
Subgenre: Surrealism/Psychological Horror/German Expressionism
Runtime: 67 minutes
Director: Robert Wiene
A film that needs little introduction; Robert Wiene's Der Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari) is third, possibly fourth, in behind Murnau's Nosferatu as a silent horror film in fame and recognition. I just really wanted to feature a silent film on this Spooktober Silent Sunday that I do every year and owed to my obsession with Conrad Veidt, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to post about this one. And, once again, it's as much about the edition of the film as it is a recommendation for a horror that some (many?) may not have seen yet. The is film is most famous for being the absolute pinnacle example of German Expressionism. In that regard, this film is far and away number 1, with Metropolis closely nipping at it heels. What sets this apart from Metropolis are the sets themselves; they are all made almost entirely of paper products. It gives a really arty feel to the nightmare on the screen--and that is part of the point. That it's a nightmare, or a daymare, or a fantasy or a delusion....you get it. In truth however, is that the production simply could not afford more expensive materials. So what looks like it's done out of artistic genius, was in fact (like a lot of other works of art) done out of necessity. One can only actually enjoy these sets, however, if you actually watch the film with it's original tinting. I first saw this aeons ago, when it was only available in crappy black and white--and though it looked weird, the experience was a let down. When I first watched in it's restored glory, it was like an entirely different film. Damn, was that an experience! I have since gone on to acquire the Kino disc--which is the authorized restored edition. It has two new soundtracks to choose from (I just watched it this morning in a darkened room with the Donald Sosin score); plus tons of extras. The one serious highlight for me is the inclusion of a restored condensed cut of Weine's Genuine, The Tale Of A Vampire, also made in 1920. Give Cabinet a watch for it's nightmare colors; there are several YouTube channels that have restored prints up. It's a deeply unsettling experience if you watch at night with no other lighting on. It has loads of Spooktober vibes and tons of art you won't soon forget. And of course, IT HAS CONRAD VIEDT!!
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| This knife motion remind anyone of a more recent horror icon?? |
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