The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari) (1920)

Posted : 7 months, 2 weeks ago at Nov 17 1:56

"Spirits surround us on every side... they have driven me from hearth and home, from wife and child." Prior to F.W. Murau's Nosferatu there was Robert Weine's silent horror masterpiece Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari (translated to the more common title; The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari). In the annals of the horror genre, these two instances of German Expressionistic cinema stand above all others as pivotal filmic creations. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is amid the few archetypal horror films accountable for influencing fundamental elements of horror. These aforementioned elements include: a mad scientist, a "monster" slave to its master (think Frankenstein...even though the novel was published a century beforehand), and the pangs of guilt triggered by beauty or kindness. This is a strik...Read more

Posted : 9 months, 4 weeks ago at Sep 8 13:09

One of the first horror films to be made is still one of the best. Is Cesare a possessed doll? A creepy demon that Caligari owns and has do his bidding? A sleepwalker he has under his control? It's never made entirely clear, but either way, it works. The shock ending is satisfying beyond all belief, and also explains why Cesare is so mysterious. This film introduced the world to German Expressionists, and its influence continues to be felt. The visuals rival, and often beat, whatever a modern filmmaker could conjure up from the dark abyss of their imagination. Proof that real sets, props, and special effects are better than the artificial? You bet, and so much more.

Posted : 1 year, 11 months ago at Jul 27 19:17

I have absolutely loved this movie!

The ambiance was deeply disturbing and the plot was most interesting in its twists. I find both good and bad in the ending that had to be added (the one where the narrator is in the asylum).

If you dislike the plot, you can still enjoy the beautiful sets.

Rating : 10/10