The Development of Cinema

It is truly mind blowing to consider how much the art of cinema progressed in the short span of time between the makings of A Trip to the Moon and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. In only 18 years, film makers had discovered countless methods by which to better their productions. This list includes but is not limited to: atmospheric lighting, advanced cinematography, expressive visuals and innovative set designs. All of these techniques can be seen in Wiene’s production, but I feel that the most prevalent tactics in his film are his unusual perception of light and his artistic backdrops. In many cases the lighting of this movie seems to contradict with the reality of what the audience expects. For example, shadows are cast in areas where viewers know they cannot naturally appear. This altered version of luminosity enhances the effects of the surreal scenery that Wiene, with the help of Expressionist artists Hermann Warm, Walter Röhrig, and Walter Reimann, created. Another key factor that I would like to discuss is the idea of characterization. In the era of film of attractions, audiences were not intended to identify and connect with characters. By 1920, directors had come to realize the positive repercussions that can stem from scenarios in which viewers bond with the characters in a piece. For example, Jane represents youthful innocence and purity in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. In a way, Jane represents the stereotypical yet loveable damsel in distress that has now become a common motif in both film and literature.