German Expressionism (BSA 106)

GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM

German expressionism has been an influence in the film industry now days. If we see the settings, costumes, and shooting styles, it seems very similar. Expressionism in Germany started to develop in the beginning of the 20th century, especially in painting, sculptures, music, literature, and theater. It brought a big impact to film industry as well, which flourished between the year of 1919 to 1931.

Most of the scenes in German Expressionism films focused on shadowy lighting, stylised set design, and creepy atmosphere. Even the costumes and makeups are unnatural or they often elaborate it. The cinematography emphasises contrast between very dark shadow and bright highlights. Some of the differences between German and Western films are the way they exaggerated the settings such as:

1. Compositions of unnatural spaces

2. The use of angles

3. Unnatural costumes, makeups, and hairstyles

4. Highly stylised acting

5. Most of the themes are about madness, criminality, and psychological matters 

Film genres that are influenced by German Expressionism are horror, sci-fi, psychological, and fantasy. There are some examples of it:

GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM

1. Nosferatu (1922)

    This horror film is directed by F. W. Murnau.

MODERN FILM

2. Vincent (1982)

    This animated short film is directed by Tim Burton which most of the         scenes have the German                     Expressionism effects such as dark       extremely large shadow and more.

I think the German Expressionism really influence the contemporary film directors, especially in horror and sci-fi movie genres. The way they shoot from low angles to create scarier feelings, and some of the settings that look the same, such as the movie "Metropolis" in 1927 and "Batman" in 1989.

That is my summary of the German Expressionism and some of the influences now days. If you have more info about this topic, don't forget to comment below:) Have a great day

Information References:
Tutor's explanations

Picture References:
1. https://filmessaysandarticles.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/german-expressionism-influence-on-horror-film-noir/
2. https://nmtpas.org/current-season/subscription-season/nosferatu
3. http://prettycleverfilms.com/saturday-morning-cartoons/tim-burton-first-nightmare/attachment/tim-burtons-vincent-1982/#.WOLL6juGNaQ
4. http://www.thegeektwins.com/2012/09/the-influence-of-metropolis-on-tim.html#.WOLL_zuGNaQ