Assignment Due 2/28: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

Assignment Due 2/28:  Choose a scene from the film and describe the scene. Then write your interpretation of the scene and the meaning of it. After that write why you chose this scene and how it relates to the class.



As I watched this silent horror movie for the first time, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. The reason of this is because of the way the movie was portrayed. I chose the scene when Cesare was ordered to kill Jane. However, when he was going inside the bedroom, Cesare  found himself unable to stab and kill Jane. Instead of stabbing her, he reached in to touch her face because of her beauty. But because Jane panics, Cesare kidnaps her instead. However, he falls over from exhaustion and dies and Jane is released. I chose this scene not only because it terrified me when Jane panicked, but also because in this moment Cesare the Somnambulist was under control of his own desire by not killing her as Caligari had ordered. This scene was very powerful because of how it was directed including the colors and the movements of the characters. Expressionism in this film is portrayed through the characters and their facial expressions as well as their nonlinguistic cues. Just by noticing in this scene Cesare's character, it relates to themes covered in class. How Cesare's moves, I feel as if his body language drew attention to the set and shows his internal emotions. Also, the lighting as well as the makeup and clothing contributed in showing gloom and fear in the film.