Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920)
Genre: Drama / Horror
Duration: 71 minuten
Alternative titles: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari / Das Kabinett des Doktor Caligari
Country:
Germany
Directed by: Robert Wiene
Stars: Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt and Lil Dagover
IMDb score:
8,0 (73.341)
Releasedate: 27 February 1920
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari plot
"You must become Caligari!"
At the carnival, Alan and his fiancée Jane run into Dr. Caligari and his fortune teller Cesare, who could predict the future. Alan asks how long he has left to live, to which Cesare, to his surprise, replies that he has no more than until sunset. When Alan is murdered that same night, Cesare is the prime suspect. The police begin an investigation, but Cesare kidnaps Jane and Dr. Caligari flees.
Actors and actresses
Dr. Caligari
Cesare
Francis
Jane Olsen
Dr. Olsen
Young Doctor (uncredited)
Criminal (uncredited)
Old Man (uncredited)
Murderer (uncredited)
Reviews & comments
Bobbejaantje
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- 2114 messages
- 1974 votes
In the early nineties of the last century I had bought a ticket for a performance of this film with live piano improvisation. Unfortunately I was not able to get there due to unforeseen circumstances. At that time I saw many other classics with live piano; Nosferatu, Faust, Mabuse cycle, etc. Blissful.
But Das Cabinet has never left my mind. A few years ago, a DVD version was found in an edition of Living Color Entertainment. With music by Rainer ViertlBöck. Finally watched the film today, even made the effort to project it with a laptop and beamer on the big screen in the house (on a great IKEA roller blind).
The film struck me as a series of successive expressionist paintings. Good looking. Munch's Scream pops up in the back of my mind. Furthermore, it is clear that this film has had a great influence on Tim Burton, as he himself has already indicated in interviews, and as already mentioned on the forum.
But back to Das Cabinet. A film with historical merit, of course, but I don't think it's any better than the series of German silents that followed. In terms of tension, I do prefer a Nosferatu, anytime, which is often regarded as the first horror.
Several essays have already been written about the political background of Das Cabinet and these can be found on the internet. It is therefore undeniable that this film is an indictment of blindly following authority. Very topical in that sense. The fact that the end of the film with a twist turns the story on its head does not detract from the message in my opinion.
Am I glad to have seen this film after waiting about 25 years? Sure enough, as a historically and artistically groundbreaking curiosity. As a film lover, however, I would recommend other - in my opinion stronger - expressionist films by Messrs FW Murnau and F. Lange.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico (moderator films)
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- 10009 messages
- 5398 votes
A classic that rang a bell, but that I've never seen before. In any case, a strong silent film that was one of the founders of the further German film industry. The film is one large theater set-up in which the different sets are beautifully put together with expressionistic ideas such as the crooked windows/doors and houses. The floors of the decor also look more like a set. Just about the entire village with its winding streets, lanterns and cemetery is beautifully put together and has an ideal atmosphere for the dark cabinet of Dr. caligari. It may also serve as a metaphor for Caligari's sick mind.
The film is made up of 6 acts and proceeds quite smoothly. Cesare is quite creepy and fits in the same row as Frankenstein or even Dracula. It is a fascinating figure. Also the murder depicted as shadows on a wall was visually strong, even reminded me of the movie Nosferatu which uses the same technique.
Finally, a strong plot twist, one that I didn't see coming, but definitely typical of a shrewd figure like Caligari. Nice!
Translated from Dutch · View original
Noodless
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- 9577 messages
- 5999 votes
A classic, well-known title and never seen before. 
It is now 100 years old and I do understand the justified positive reviews of this film and that the film belongs in the list of important films. But unfortunately I can't really do much with it. All the explanations about expressionistic sets, metaphors and techniques are probably true, but the film doesn't make it that way. Admittedly, visually it does look good, especially for a 1920s film. But the story didn't really captivate me and the surprising plot twist didn't keep me on the edge of my seat. But I must say that it was pretty good for the time. The acting, well...I can't say much about it....the feeling of being often too made came up. Before that time and given the whole concept of the film, I would like to give a decent rating, but again I will not watch the film a second time. 6/10
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