The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

I was happily surprised with how much I enjoyed the film “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” I found that the framing device added to the film because it made it much more interesting. I had several obvious questions after watching the first scene, like “Is that woman a ghost?” or “Where are they?” I enjoy framing devices because I like the moment when it is over and everything just makes sense. I think that some people may not have liked the framing technique here since they are too accustomed to seeing it in modern day films.

I feel that the original meaning of the film is still maintained because Francis’ mental illness can represent the general confusion in the world, especially in Germany, after World War I. Also, the film raises questions as to whether real-life authority figures can abuse power to the extent that Dr. Caligari did. People don’t like to think that something like what happened to Cesare could occur or that there are mentally ill people out and about in society and this adds to the general creepy quality of the film. This quality is also supported through the set design, makeup, and lighting. In particular, the village scenes gave me goose bumps because the many shadows could hide anyone lurking in the darkness.