German Expressionism

German Expression film making occurred after Germany's defeat in World War 1 in the late 1910s and lasted to the late 1930s/ early 1940s. These films focused on intellectual topics and themes of maddness, betrayal and loss. Compared to the films of the rest of the western world (which were mostly action and romance films) the German expression films are considered much deeper and thoughtful. Lighting, scenery and atheistic were all manipulated to enhance the mood of the film and did not have to reflect reality. An example of this is painting exaggerated shadows on the walls instead of using realistic lighting.

The German Expressionist movement influenced many genres and people. The movement most noticeable impacted (and possibly created) the horror, film noir and Science fiction. The movement produced some of the most famous early horror films such as Max Schreck's Nosferatu and Robert Wiene's "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The German Expressionist movement also influences the science fiction genre. An example of this is the comparison between Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" and Ridley Scott's "Bladerunner" (seen below). Both films use impossibly high structures in their scenery that cast shadows over the surround urban landscape.

A contemporary film maker influenced by German expressionism is Alex Proyas, director of "The Crow", "Dark city", "Knowing" and "I Robot". "Dark City" particular seems like a blend of "Metrpolis" and "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" with a film noir/ science fiction plot set in a large city and shot using deep shadows.

 Proyas uses the techniques of deep shadows to create menace, not only for the antagonists (such as in German Expressionist horror films) but also to create an underlying menace for the city itself. The lighting not only casts dark shadow but also creates eerie colors and pictures.

 The film also uses symbolism similar to that of which can be seen in the works of German Expressionists and the likes of Tim Burton, with patterns like huge spirals drawn on the walls and on corpses being important to the plot. "Dark city' even shares the themes of madness and manipulation with the German Expressionist movement.