Cinematic Spaces Film Review: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

In The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Dr. Caligari exhibits a somnambulist (sleepwalker) named Cesare ,who predicts the future. It is here that the main character (Francis) meets the "villain" of this story. After his best friend's death is predicted, and comes to pass. Mysteries begin to unravel and plot twists unfold in Holstenwall. 

Fig 1 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1921)

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari 1920, directed by Robert Weine, is notably one of the most influential films of German Expressionism not only during the silent era, but in films today. It was this story that became the base of all thriller films.

It's sets are so captivating for its simplicity and uniqueness – something that we can see someone such as Tim Burton today being heavily influenced by. However, the sets weren't just created to give off a creepy feeling to film in general, it all represented something. As Roger Ebert (2009) states; “He (Robert Weine) is making a film of delusions and deceptive appearances, about madmen and murder, and his characters exist at right angles to reality. None of them can quite be believed, nor can they believe one another.”  Its unique abstract style for the environment was created perfectly to reflect on the true nature of this film.

Fig 2 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

It is important to keep such ideas like this in mind whilst watching The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari especially this particular note by Total Film (2000); "Angular sets, twisted perspectives and off-centre houses convey the disturbed minds of the central characters..." The "disturbed minds of the central characters" becomes oh so apparent by the end of the film. The environments becoming the true personification of all of the character's madness. 

Fig 3 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

The filmmakers use various colored filters to create the effect of a color movie. Tinted shades of sepia tone, blue, and purple add narrative depth to queasy episodes of altered mental states. 

Finally, the ending to this film has been credited to have introduced the "twist ending", the first of its kind in cinema. By revealing such a shocking turn of events, Weine was able to wrap up the film perfectly in both Francis' madness and reality. With a story and set that compliments each other so well, it is indeed a title which deserves it's reputation. 

"With its unusual look and neatly folding method of storytelling “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is an artistically uninhibited silent horror film that still sends chills." - Cole Smithey (2011)

Fig 4 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

Review Biblography:

Quotes:

Ebert, Roger (2009) Great Movie: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, At: http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari-1920 (Accessed on 04.10.13)

Smithey, Cole (2011) The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari - Classic Film Pick, At: http://www.colesmithey.com/capsules/2011/10/the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari.html (Accessed on 04.10.13)
Total Film (2000) The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, At: http://www.totalfilm.com/reviews/dvd/the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari (Accessed on 04.10.13)

Pictures:

Fig 1 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari 1921 [Poster] At: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CABINETOFDRCALIGARI-poster.jpg (Accessed on 03.10.13)

Fig 2 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) From: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Directed by: Robert Weine, [Film still], Weimar Republic, At: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CABINET_DES_DR_CALIGARI_01.jpg (Accessed on 03.10.13)

Fig 3 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) From: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Directed by: Robert Weine, [Film still], Weimar Republic, At: http://blackholereviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/cabinet-of-dr-caligari-1920-fundamental.html?m=1 (Accessed on 03.10.13)

Fig 4 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) From: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Directed by: Robert Weine, [Film still], Weimar Republic, At: http://defensiveweaponofgun.wordpress.com (Accessed on 03.10.13)