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Repressive expressionism and distorted geometric figures
Jacklyn 2022-01-03 08:01:11
Known as the pioneer of German expressionist films, it is thanks to Krakauer’s monographs that have jumped into our field of vision. The ending of the film is open-ended and the narrative style is strange. The most surprising thing is the use of backgrounds and abstract paintings. The Gothic architecture and the geometric figures presented entirely in paintings. Krakauer believes that this is a manifestation of the people’s psychology at that time. However, I think that this design is also derived from the style of art at that time. The film is also a small production. It’s true that the art style has something to do with the people’s psychology at the time. After the First World War, a hundred wastes are waiting for prosperity, but political high pressure and eager totalitarianism are always preparing to ignite the next war, so people secretly Shout, living in the extremely uneasy depression and fear, this kind of psychological manifestation is a mutated geometric figure, oppressed by space until it is distorted. This kind of alienation is also a combination of power and technology, which makes human beings deeply alienated, although Krakau Er’s cultural studies are quite suspected of reverse determinism, but the analysis is not very abrupt. The film presents this meaning... We can’t tell whether the group of people in the film are mental patients. Maybe This is the reality, the mental patient is the ruler, the mental patient, everyone is sick, and the Caligari is the symbol of the dictator. Through hypnosis, he controls the masses...Geometric figures are the characteristics of this film, which is very interesting, not only It increases the weird atmosphere of the picture, and also presents a sense of narrative of virtual fairy tales. The film is divided into six chapters. This design is very unique, because these six chapters are just the completion of a narrative, but they have continuity, but they are replaced. The order can also be interpreted in a different way...Perhaps, German expressionism does not just show the style of civil society, but a kind of inner state of the citizens...
Extended Reading
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari quotes
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[last lines]
Dr. Caligari: Now I also know how to cure him.
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Dr. Caligari: Step rrrrright up! Presenting for the first time: Cesare the somnambulist! The miraculous Cesare. Twenty-three years old, he has slept for twenty-three years continuously, day and night! Right before your eyes, Cesare will awaken from his death-like trance.