Directed by:
Robert WieneCinematography:
Willy HameisterComposer:
Alfredo AntoniniCast:
Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Fehér, Lil Dagover, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, Rudolf LettingerPlots(1)
In this silent, classic example of early German expressionism, this cinematic landmark relates the stylized tale of a Dr. Caligari, a fairground showman who hypnotizes an innocent villager--turning him into a sleepwalking "zombie"--and compels him to carry out fiendish murders. (official distributor synopsis)
Reviews (10)
This is one of the few officially respected films that has earned its position. If I had to name one film that is synonymous with all the perfection a film can evoke in a person, all the answers to the questions of why to continue to engage with and be inspired by film, it is The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Of course, the perceptive viewer must then become Caligari himself.
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I put off watching The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari for a really long time because I thought it was a silent film and I just prefer sound films - and even though I saw the edited version, which was enhanced with music, the film ended up surprising me beyond my expectations. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari artfully blends horror, action and detective fiction, making it – at least in my opinion – appealing to contemporary audiences. Moreover, the whole thing is wrapped up in an eerily beautiful set with distinctively made-up characters. A textbook example of German expressionism in film!
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Now, this is a true horror classic and without doubt one of the most remarkable projects from the silent 1920s. To be more precise, while with the famous Nosferatu the audience of that time could at least run to the toilet, in the company of Professor Caligari only diapers could help them. Even after all these years, this is an extremely impressive film with sets and modest design that may seem ridiculous today, but in terms of atmosphere, actors and story, including an excellent twist, it has nothing to be ashamed of. 85%
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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari will be remembered primarily for its visuals, individual shots, and the play of light and shadow, which can still evoke a sense of the terrifying, unexpected, horrific, and insane even today. The expressionism that emanates from the setting at every turn highlights how intertwined the visual arts were with cinema at that time.
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A fantastic film that only becomes fantastic at the end, when everything makes sense, including the wonderfully warped sets. The restored extended version is a treat, and it's certainly not the last time I'll see it – on the contrary, I think it's only when I see the film a second time that I'll see it in all its glory.
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Gallery (112)
Photo © Decla-Bioscop
![The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/159/264/159264868_ef26ca.jpg)
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