German Expressionism

EPISODE 024: LESSONS IN FILM HISTORY

 

Featuring: The Student of Prague (1913), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Metropolis (1927), M (1931)

 

In an attempt to unravel this early 20th-century genre from its War World I context, Ryan presents German Expressionism as a convergence of several industry pressures. Coinciding with art movements from the same era, the cinematic version of Expressionism developed into one of history’s first film movements. While standing at the midpoint between the First and Second World Wars, Expressionism seemingly encapsulated the mistrust and anxiety coursing through Germany at the time. And yet, the dark social themes and intense chiaroscuro set the tone for American noirs and Hollywood monster movies and continue to influence contemporary filmmakers to this day.