Most important artistic component was the German Expressionist film, which flourished from 1919 to 1931.
Expressionism= Broader artistic movement that flourished in Germany (Early 20th century)
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Architecture
- Music
- Literature
- Theater
Impressionism vs Expressionism
Impressionism is concerned with surface reality, expressionism sees the world through the filter of human perception and emotion.
The stylized set design, shadow lighting of German films were admired and imitated worldwide.
Expressionism meant creating stylized films using artificial set design, elaborate costumes and unnatural makeup.
Cinematography emphasizes bold contrasts of dark shadows with bright highlights.
Chief characteristics
- distorted and exaggerated settings
- compositions of unnatural places
- use of oblique (slanting) angles and non parallel lines
- a moving and subjective camera (POV)
- Unnatural costumes, hairstyles and makeup
- Highly stylized acting
Protagonists often experience extreme psychological states, reflected in their strange environments.
Key themes
- Madness
- Criminality
- Fracturing of identity
Most famous expressionist film is Robert Wiene's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Set design was very unnatural with slanted walls, floors and ceilings. Exterior is also very artificial. Strange looking titles.
Expressionism=Hollywood's psychological dramas, horrors movies and film noir.
The first vampire film was Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror.
Cinematic effects
- Low camera angles
- Makeup
- Costume design
- Lighting
- Editing-creates eerie mise-en-scene
Metropolis was on of the most influential Sci-Fi films. Vast sets, thousands of extras, and special effects nearly made UFA go bankrupt. Most expensive German film in its time.
Had a combination of stylized sets, angles, bold shadows and artificial theatrics. Influenced films such as Blade Runner (1982) and Tim Burtons Batman (1989)
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