Das Cabinet Des Dr Caligari
Amazon.co.uk Review
A milestone of the silent film era and one of the first “art films” to gain international acclaim, this eerie German classic from 1919 remains the most prominent example of German expressionism in the emerging art of the cinema. Stylistically, the look of the film’s painted sets–distorted perspectives, sharp angles, twisted architecture–was designed to reflect (or express) the splintered psychology of its title character, a sinister figure who uses a lanky somnambulist (Conrad Veidt) as a circus attraction. But when Caligari and his sleepwalker are suspected of murder, their novelty act is surrounded by more supernatural implications. With its mad-doctor scenario, striking visuals, and a haunting, zombie-like character at its centre, Caligari was one of the first horror films to reach an international audience, sending shock waves through artistic circles and serving as a strong influence on the classic horror films of the 1920s, 30s, and beyond. It’s a museum piece today, of interest more for its historical importance, but The Cabinet of Dr Caligari still casts a considerable spell. –Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Although “The Cabinet of Dr Caligari” is one of the best known and important silent films of our time, let me point out right away that this is no guarantee that it will appeal to everyone. For many, it is a particularly heavy, depressing and even dreadful film, but this only proves that it is successful in its Horror genre, as well as its experiment to blend commercial movie narrative with the modern art style of German Expressionism. By all accounts it was very successful, giving inspiration to other directors and actors in later years and still holding its own as a landmark in cinema history.
The first thing that strikes the viewer is that most of the sets are entirely artificial, sculpted or painted in extreme Expressionist style with angular shapes which convey a sense of distress, turmoil and dread – all the qualities one would find in the mentally ill, which is the underlying theme of this story. Just like gestures, make-up and acting styles like pantomime were often used in the silent film medium to express moods, feelings and concepts, so do the Expressionist sets in this film convey a great deal about the characters and story. The famous leading stars, namely Conrad Veidt, Lil Dagover and Werner Krauss wear extreme make-up in line with the use of strong light and dark contrasts often used in other German Expressionist films of the 1920s, and their acting style is perfectly suited to the theme and overall atmosphere of the film. It contains all the elements of a disturbing horror film with a mad scientist who has control over a somnambulist – a sleepwalker – to the point of apparently getting him to commit murders for him. When a friend becomes the first victim, Francis – the main character – sets out to help in the investigation and capture of the murderer, but the final outcome is a surprising and perhaps quite satisfying twist which most viewers might not see coming.
The picture quality of this Eureka DVD is extremely good, and the music is simply outstanding. Having viewed literally hundreds of silent films, I can safely say that the musical accompaniment to this silent film is one of the best I’ve ever heard in terms of expressing the story and visual atmosphere in sounds. Using orchestral instruments, the notes seem to screech, sigh and moan in anguish along with the characters and their distorted surroundings. The overall effect can actually be very mesmerizing and afterwards leaves you feeling as if you’ve woken up from a very weird dream. After watching it once or twice, one’s appreciation of the film will be more enhanced by listening to the audio commentary by an American expert who gives quite an intellectual and thorough explanation of many artistic and social aspects of “Caligari”. While this is not a film to be enjoyed as general entertainment in the usual sense, it is nevertheless a special cinematic experience and certainly of value and importance to sincere film and art lovers alike.
Rating: 5 / 5
O.K. call me old fashioned, but I was really drawn to this old German silent film, mainly because of its sinister, eerie tone, also my facsination of the character ‘Cesare'(Conrad Veidt) whose gothic, creepy presence was intriguing. Sure this film is over 80 years old but a lot of people may find that the plot is still effective today, and I consider this film to be better than a lot of the modern horrors. Its slow in places, the picture quality isn’t perfect and the entire film has organ music playing, but if you a true film fan and horror fan, then give The Cabinet Of Dr.Caligari’ a try. I did and to my surprise, I was entertained…
Rating: 4 / 5
Robert Wiene’s 1919 classic “Das Cabinet Des Dr Caligari” is, in every way, a courageous piece of film making.
The Expressionistic set design, as the backdrop to the story of a mad doctor and his manipulation of a somnambulist, is brilliantly conceived, especially when considering the twist at the end of the film. The sets give the film a definite and appropriate dreamlike quality.
The importance of the film cannot be overstated since it undoubtedly influenced the later Universal monster movies that proliferated in the 30’s and 40’s as well as later horror films.
It seems certain James Whale was inspired by German Expressionism, if not “The cabinet of Dr Caligari”, for the set design on his version of “Frankenstein”.
The DVD has been designed to emulate the Expressionism of the film. Good production values and attention to detail with an in-depth audio overview of the film.
This film is essential viewing for anyone interested in early German cinema or the history of horror films but, it is equally valid as an important piece of German Expressionist art.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is a film that time nearly forgot, but that truly is the shadowy seed out of which both the horror film and film noir genres have developed over the last 75 years. (Woo-hoo!) But even if you aren’t into all that German Expressionist, history of cinema stuff, you should know that this film is HUGELY entertaining in itself, if not even a good bit creepy (in a silent, 1919 sort of a way)! How could a dark story about a murderous sleepwalker, controlled by a demented madman, terrorizing the inhabitants of an old-world European village, centered around an insane asylum not be interesting?!? Not to mention that the film has a real twist/suprise ending… And then there are the visuals! Creepy, dark, jagged images that you could very well end up dreaming about later… For the film buff, this is essential viewing. And for the every-day man, the unknowing post-modern viewer, this is a film that will be a real suprise and treat… including the amazing sight of a german Edward Scissorhands gliding like a spectre across the screen, nearly 40 years before Tim Burton was even born. Not to be missed!
Rating: 5 / 5
Quite disappointing from the technical point of view. Considering that it was digitally remastered the print quality was quite poor. (Nosferatu was much better.) Also the subtitles were displayed for much too long and in a strange font; presumably this font was meant to match the expressionist nature of the film but for me it was very intrusive. I believe there’s a new DVD of the film coming out very soon. I’d say try to find out what it’s like before making a decision on which one to buy.
Rating: 2 / 5