German Expressionism

German Expressionism

German Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century, deeply influenced by the cultural and societal upheaval following World War I. This artistic movement, extending from visual arts to cinema, is distinguished by its innovative use of visual style to express emotional and psychological states. The characteristic use of stark contrasts between light and shadow, alongside exaggerated and often distorted sets, creates a visually striking and emotionally resonant atmosphere that seeks to evoke deeper feelings of unease, anxiety, or introspection in the viewer.

The movement's visual style is a direct response to the inner turmoil and existential angst experienced by many in post-war Germany. The economic hardship, political instability, and the trauma of the war contributed to a societal atmosphere ripe for artistic exploration of darker themes. German Expressionist films, therefore, used their distinctive aesthetic to mirror the collective discontent and disillusionment of the time, offering a stark contrast to the escapist entertainment found in other forms of cinema.

One of the most iconic examples of German Expressionism is "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920), directed by Robert Wiene. The film's twisted landscapes, shadowy figures, and distorted perspectives visually manifest the characters' psychological states, setting a precedent for future works within the movement. These visual techniques became hallmarks of German Expressionism, influencing not only cinema but also impacting other art forms and later film genres, such as film noir.

The impact of German Expressionism extends beyond its historical context, influencing a wide range of directors and filmmakers across the globe. The movement's emphasis on mood and atmosphere over realistic representation has inspired genres like horror, noir, and even contemporary art cinema. Filmmakers such as Tim Burton and David Lynch have drawn upon Expressionist techniques to create their own unique cinematic worlds, filled with distorted realities and heightened emotional landscapes.

Ultimately, German Expressionism's legacy is its demonstration of cinema's power to explore and express the human condition. By pushing the boundaries of filmic representation and narrative structure, the movement has left an indelible mark on the history of film, showing that cinema can be a profound medium for exploring psychological depth and societal concerns. Its innovative use of visual style to evoke emotion continues to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences, cementing its place as a pivotal moment in cinematic history.

Historical Context

German expressionism was film movement that emerged in Germany just after World War I and persisted into the mid 1920s. During the period of recovery following World War I, the German film industry was booming. However, because of the hard economic times, filmmakers found it difficult to create movies that could compare with the lush, extravagant features coming from Hollywood.

Various European cultures of the 1920s had embraced an ethic of change, and a willingness to look to the future by experimenting with bold, new ideas and artistic styles. The filmmakers developed their own style by using symbolism and mise en scène to add mood and deeper layers of meaning to a film, often concentrating on the dark fringes of human experience that reflected the dark and unsettling times.

Key Characteristics

Settings and mise-en-scène
Bizarre and odd looking settings with distorted  buildings create a disturbing impression that seems the stuff of nightmares rather than reality. Mise-en-scène is an important off-balance element in these films. Objects are misshapen or exaggerated  in appearance.

Characters and actors
People in these movies are often eccentric or even mentally ill.  Actors are heavily made up and their whitened faces and dark lips give them a ghoulish appearance. Characters move with odd jerky actions or overly fluid, floppy movements.  The actors’ bodies are part of the graphic design. They seem to be part of the landscape or artistic backdrop — and every bit as weird!

Narratives
The subject matter of German expressionist films often concerns unnatural acts or  disturbed psychologies. Gothic horror is also a common theme.

Camera work
The camera uses unusual angles to create the feeling that the world is off balance. There is very little depth in the focal length. Everything appears to be two-dimensional — the opposite of Hollywood’s deep focus.

Lighting
Chiaroscuro  or high contrast lighting is preferred. A shaft of light illuminates the action while deep shadows surround it. This type of lighting is called ‘low key’.

The character Cesare from "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920) shares similarities with the protagonist of "Eraserhead" (1977) by David Lynch. Cesare, a somnambulist who is controlled and used to commit murders, embodies the nightmarish, surreal qualities that are also prevalent in Lynch's film. Both characters operate within distorted realities, and their films use stark, contrasted visuals and thematic elements of horror and the uncanny to evoke a sense of unease and disorientation in the viewer.