At the heart of German Expressionism lies a desperate attempt for freedom. Freedom from the oppression, the corruption, the poverty and the restriction that Germany insinewed back in the 1920's. German Expressionism portrays the world through the eyes of someone who has been through the horrors of the world and is unable to see the world as a bright and happy place to be in. Films such as "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" show us the twisted world that, unfortunately, was all too relatable for the audience. We see German Expressionsism as a style today, but in reality it was more than a style for the audience back then. It was a message to them that they were not alone. That the corrupt, jaded world they lived in is one that exists in film, with exaggerated shadows, daunting architecture and harsh light.
German Expressionism made its way to Hollywood during the 1940s as German directors migrated to America and the impressionable style changed the way films were made. German Expressionism is evident in "The Maltese Falcon", the first "film noir", with the chiaroscuro lighting, symbolism and distinct shadows used. For example, in this still from the film on the right, featuring Humphery Bogart as Sam Spade, a very distinct shadow of him is visible. This darker side to life is an example of how the film was made relatable to the weary audience. It creates the suspence and mistrust, mirrored in the audience due to the dreary social atmosphere in the 1940s in America. Dodgy dealings and shady characters, the norm for America back in the day, were captured in sleek hats and dark trench coats that were engulfed in mysterious smoke, a gift from German Expressionism. Another major characteristic is the blanched features the actors wear during the film, thanks to the harsh lighting. This also adds to the perception of a slightly eerie world , one that the audience quite welcomed more than the familiar misery of their own.
In conclusion, German Expressionism was born in pain and it is this familiar pain that the American audience latched onto and adoptd into their films, as a way of expressing themselves. This is evident in "The Maltese Falcon", through the misty backgrounds, chiaroscuro lighting, symbolism and the costumes that add to
In conclusion, German Expressionism was born in pain and it is this familiar pain that the American audience latched onto and adoptd into their films, as a way of expressing themselves. This is evident in "The Maltese Falcon", through the misty backgrounds, chiaroscuro lighting, symbolism and the costumes that add to