German Expressionism and Film History: From Caligari to Hollywood

What factors contributed to Hitler's rise to power?

Economic, social, and political factors, with many Germans initially viewing Hitler as a transitory figure.

Who were the authors of 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'?

Czech Hans Janowitz and Austrian Carl Mayer.

What inspired Hans Janowitz to create 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'?

A vision he had at a funeral where he recognized a man associated with a murdered girl.

What themes did Janowitz and Mayer explore in their work?

Their opposition to authority and the representation of madness inherent in authority.

What does the character of Caligari symbolize in the film?

The tendencies of the German system towards unlimited authority and the violation of human rights.

What was Erich Pommer's role in the production of 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'?

He was the chief executive of Decla Bioscop who accepted the script and supported its cinematic values.

How did the framing story in 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' differ from the authors' intentions?

Janowitz and Mayer felt it perverted their intrinsic intentions and glorified authority.

What visual techniques were prominent in German Expressionism?

Dramatic use of light and shadow, non-linear narrative styles, and stylized set designs.

What was the significance of the UFA Studio during the post-WWI era?

It produced films that were typically supportive of the war, while Decla was more independent.

What was the impact of German Expressionism on later filmmakers?

It influenced directors like Alfred Hitchcock in their use of suspense and shadow.

What is a hallmark of the impressionist film movement in Germany?

An exploration of characters' inner lives rather than just external action.

How did the German film industry change between WWI and WWII?

Germany became a movie-making powerhouse, with government funding supporting the industry.

What narrative style is used in 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'?

A frame story that is non-linear, creating suspense and emphasizing psychological themes.

What was the significance of the film 'Nosferatu' in German Expressionism?

It used dramatic shadow to enhance the sense of horror and featured a non-typical vampire.

What editing technique was pioneered in early American cinema?

Continuity editing, which was developed to avoid confusing the audience.

What was the first significant attempt at creative expression in cinematography?

'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' is considered the archetype of post-war film.

What role did the national bank play in the German film industry post-WWI?

It provided funding to support the film industry during the immediate aftermath of the war.

How did filmmakers in the impressionist movement differ from Hollywood traditions?

They focused on subjective depth and character exploration rather than just external action.

What is the significance of the 1924 decline in German cinema?

It was due to the exodus of German filmmakers and American involvement in the German film business.

What does the term 'mass desire' refer to in the context of film?

It reflects the psychological dispositions and attitudes of the audience that films aim to address.

What was the impact of the studio system on filmmaking in Hollywood?

It centralized production, with everyone working for the studio, shaping the industry's structure.

What visual elements did German Expressionism emphasize?

It emphasized stylized settings, lighting, and dramatic shadow to create emotional responses.

What was a common characteristic of films produced during the silent film era?

They were typically longer and relied heavily on visual storytelling due to the absence of sound.

How did the portrayal of authority change in films like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'?

It shifted from glorifying authority to exposing its madness and the consequences of its power.