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Examples Of Expressionism In Metropolis

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German Expressionism was a brief, yet vital period of film-making which spanned from roughly 1905 until 1935. One could consider this a small section from the history of film, yet the impact of German Expressionism upon the creative zeitgeist is still felt today. This essay will argue that these films, specifically 1927’s Metropolis, had an incredibly deep and profound impact upon the Science Fiction genre. It will explore the elements of German Expressionism, which began with The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The essay will go on to discuss the themes and concepts presented in Metropolis, concluding with the argument that the story of Metropolis can be seen everywhere within contemporary Science Fiction. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, from 1920, is possibly not the first film in the German Expressionism period, but it can be considered one of the first major ones. With the use of a highly controlled set and harsh dramatic lighting, the seventy-eight minute silent film captured the minds of the audience, taking them through something akin to a nightmare. Darsa (2013) states ‘The sense of anxiety, distrust, and uneasiness were at an all-time high in Germany …show more content…

Labor), and the 1917 communist uprising in the Soviet Union. It also reflects the ongoing struggle between light and dark, good and evil, and the dark ages (magic) vs. modern

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