🇩🇪 GER Cinema 1

Weimar Cinema

German cinema (1918-1933) known for expressionism and impressionism.

Expressionism

Artistic Movement characterized by sharp contrast between light and shadow

Berlin Urbanism

Following WWI, Berlin grew into a metropolis.

1917 Communist Revolution

Vladimir Lenin lead the Bolsheviks to overthrow the imperial government under Tsar Nicholas II. Lenin established communism in Russia.

Reich

Realm or Empire

Diaspora

dispersion

Kaiser

Emperor/rule

Faustian theme

Devil related, soul-selling to gain power

Impressionism

Accurately recording everyday life through the use of light and color. Contrast to Expressionis

When was the Weimar Republic in Germany? What was the reason that it was not ratified in Berlin

1919-1933

What does Lumiere mean in English?

Light

Who were german movies meant for?

The working class, who didn’t have many dreams.

Neue Sachlichkeit

New Objectivity; a German movement characterized by a socially critical sentiment, depicting the reality of post-WWi society

Last Kaiser in Germany, when did he abdicate?

Willhelm II, abdicated in Nov 9, 1918

What silent film represents everyday life with a matter of fact look?

Berlin: Symphony of a Great City

How did Germany seek to evoke the aurora of Kulturnation and why?

In refounding of the Staatsnation (political nation). The German nation desired to earn their pride back; to have something to be proud of after the failure of WWI

Thomas Mann and Bertolt Brecht were dissatisfied with the artistic form of the film. What did they criticize?

Mann claimed that film is not art, it is life and reality, and its effects in silent and motion are crudely sensational in comparison to the spiritual effects of art. Brecht claimed that although artistry is celebrated, his rights as an author were not respected in the adaption of films from books.

When and where was Nosferatu produced?

In Lubeck, Wismar, and Northern slovakia. 1922

When and where was The Last Laugh produced?

Germany. 1924.

Nosferatu is a character that has _____

Ugliness

What characteristic does the doorman have? 

Sensitive to misfortune of the weak and hopeless

Nosferatu’s first name? Where does he live? Where does he move to?

Count Orlok, Transylvania, Wisborg

What roles do Thomas Hutter and Ellen play?

Hutter is a real estate agent

What character represents: Evil; rats, disease, wild animals

Nosferatu

What character represents: Love, sensitivity, sacrifice

Ellen

What character represents: Loneliness and social exclusion

The Doorman

When does Nosferatu have power over life? What is exactly that kills him?

The night time. Ellen’s beauty distracts him and he is killed by the sunlight.

How does Count travel to Wisborg? What does he do during his trip? What happens
when he arrives in Wisborg?

He puts himself in a coffin and hops on a boat.

How does the film Nosferatu access the interior world of Ellen? (2 Examples)

the viewer visually learns that Ellen fears for Hutter when he decides to go into dangerous territory to sell the house. Also the final struggle adds value to her decision to sacrifice herself as it clearly isn’t easy.

What is the castle of Orlok like?

Dark, isolated, ancient, decaying; decrepit.

What are the themes of Nosferatu?

Good vs evil, Sacrifice vs death, Beauty vs ugliness

How does Murnau show that Nosferatu is socially excluded?

He’s chopped. He has bad animations and he’s lonely.

Characterize Thomas Hutter

He’s Naive, Brave, loves his wife.

How does Murnau create an atmosphere of mystery?

Manipulating shadows and lights to exaggerate, hide or display things

How does Murnau represent evil in Nosferatu?

The rats. his thirst to kill. hunts for beautiful women.

What is the name of the movie star who plays the doorman?

Emil Jannings

What roles does Emil Jannings play in the film Last Laugh?

Main character. From confident to outcast, to man of fortune. Very expressive actor who does a great job of showing emotion.

Which of the following statements are true?

German cinema had achieved a unique visual style that continues to influence world cinema to this day |

The Last Laugh demonstrates the possibilities of silent film at the

height of its powers | When the doorman is seen from below, the camera looks up at the subject emphasizing his feelings of pride, self-importance, and social status given him through wearing the uniform.

The truth of Weimar Cinema

Weimar Cinema (1919-1933) | Continued through the diaspora of talents after 1933 to USA