Expressionism & Politics in “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”

An analysis of the 1920 film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and its expressionist style.

For Weimar Film and Culture - SP ‘19 - Prof. Lisabeth During

“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is famously known for its unique set design as its style is the farthest thing from realism. Instead of only using hard light while shooting the film, light and shadow are created by literal painted shadows on the set’s surfaces. It furthers the idea of film as an art form as it wasn’t previously thought of that.”