We have now started our new module, Introduction to European Film History. I am generally quite excited about this as I have always had an interest in European Cinema.
German Expressionism
For this lecture, we will be learning about German Expressionism. I already have some pior knowledge from A Level Film Studies which should help me as I already have some understanding about this particular topic.
The Historical Context
German Expressionism started during the post World War during the aftermath of defeat. Poverty and Corruption became worse.
Production Context
Universum Film AG was one-third state funded with international co-productions. With unrivalled studio facilities, success of German cinema travelled abroad. Creativity and freedom was developed.
Expressionism Sources
German painting, stylism, exaggeration and distortion was used to express psychological and emotion states of a person. German theatre, mime, exaggerated acting and makeup with stylised painted sets helpped introduce the style of German Expression films.
German Expressionism, 1919 – 1931: Films and Film Makers
- The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari (1919, Robert Wenie)
- Der Golem (1920, Paul Wegener)
- Nosferatu (1921, F.W Murnau
- Metropolis (1931, Fritz Long)
- Diary of a Lost Girl (1929, G.W Pabst)
Defining The Style
- Stylised sets
- Geometric shapes and angles
- Mannered acting with melodramatic gestures
- Exaggerated makeup and costumes
- Camera tricks
- Chiaroscuro
- Subjective points of view shots
Defining The Context
- Science fiction and horror
- Crime, master criminals
- Madness and psychological disturbance
- Monsters
- The city
- ‘The uncanny’ – Freud
Haggis's Blog 
[…] the 1930′s the Japanese cinema were looking at the influences from Germany at their stylised German Expressionism. This was the introduction of camera movement as well as stylised settings matching the moods of […]