TCF 112 Motion Picture History and Criticism
Class Notes: German Silent Cinema

Germany After World War I

German Silent Film

  1. Historical/Mythological Films
  2. Expressionist Films
  3. Kammerspielfilm

Historical/Mythological Films

Influenced by theatrical producer Max Reinhardt.

  1. Huge architectural sets.
  2. Careful period costuming.
  3. Chiaroscuro lighting.
  4. Large casts and movement on stage.

Expressionist Films

Edvard Munch's The ScreamExpressionist paintings influence films. See examples of Expressionist art.


  1. Style distorted to express the artist's inner torment.
  2. Fascination with death, disease, illness, depression, melancholy, etc. . . .

Expressionist Cinema Characteristics

E.g., The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Robert Wiene, 1919.

Kammerspielfilm

Kammer = chamber/room
Spiel = play
Kammerspiel = chamberplay

Inspired by producer Max Reinhardt's work in the theater.

  1. Intimate stories about everyday people.
  2. Camera movement.
  3. Lack of intertitles.


Last revised: Wednesday, January 5, 2005 10:38 AM