Monday, September 26, 2011

Notes on German Expressionism

German expressionism

Expressionism – non-realistic/ more about expressing the inner view

-Style of filmmaking developed during Weimar years in Germany
-WW1- could only import movies from Scandinavia
-More emphasis on cinematography than plot and narrative
-mainly focused on lighting, scenic design and camera placement as well as to focus on criminal underworld -> deliver thriller)
-Experimented with light and shadow – Chiaroscuro style of lighting
            -Low key lighting- emphasize light and dark
            -Key feature of film noir – horror and crime genre film
-Stick to shadowy aesthetic – theme is dark (tradition in German literature)
-Crime and soullessness – darker side of human nature emphasized
- Nazi took control – many directors and cinematographers (mostly Jews) fled to America -> Hollywood

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