Friedrich Nietzsche Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Friedrich Nietzsche - Research Paper Example patch German Expressionism was expressed in a wide variety of artistic formats, today it is most recognized for its appearance within film. This essay considers the historical background of German Expressionism and also analyzes it for its deeper meaning within German Expressionist films, arguing that German Expression demonstrated a nihilistic concern with industrialization and modernization. scope While Expressionism was an art movement that had become popular in Europe during the early part of the twentieth century, in Germany it took on a particularly unparalleled approach. While this is because of a variety of lands, one of the pristine reasons is because the German filmmakers did not deplete the financial backing Hollywood films had so they began developing their own unique style. In considering German Expressionism, its clear there are a number of thematic elements that exist. In these regards, its been noted that frequent Ger man Expressionist themes involve insanity, betrayal, and intellectual topics. It is perhaps for this last reason that the art movement remains so prevalent a concern within University environments. While German Expressionism was confined to a set period within German art history, its influence has been extended healthful beyond this early 20th century period. With Nazis taking power in Germany, make German Expressionist filmmakers migrated to the United States and influenced filmmaking. Slowly German Expressionist techniques took hold in American celluloid and veritable into film noir. Today noir remains a prominent element in Hollywood cinema. In addition, to film, its also been argued that German Expressionism emerged in architecture. In these regards, its argued that the sharp angles and contrasts of film also provide into architecture. Indeed, German Expressionism expects to equally represent these concerns. From the opening credits its easy to see how American critiques c ould have confused The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919) as cubist. The slanted and oblique patterns with the actors and directors names placed on top of them seem to represent a multitude of perspectives. Analysis While its been noted that German Expressionism largely developed as a response to Hollywood films, one must also consider it in carnal knowledge to the meaning behind the artistic style. In these regards, many researchers argue that parallels between the German Expressionism and deep German nihilistic anxiety with industrialization are evident (Elsasesser, 2004, p. 72). In one of the most famous German Expressionist films, the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari this is highly evident. The film begins with an gladiolus-in of Francis in the asylum. One notes that the concern with insanity is a study theme of German Expressionism. It is also oddly appropriate as with the darkness closing in the iris seems to represent a telescopic view of his troubled soul. In fact, the film makes use of editing to discern to the deep focus set-up that features Jane walking toward the camera and then back to the dark and troubling iris surround Francis. We initially find Caligari registering his somnambulist for the carnival. He seems somewhat out-of-place in the well-lit setting and the mise-en-scene. even positions him well-below the registrar, almost as if the registrar represents the established governmental authority that Caligari is attempting to replace. The