Caligarism
Caligarism refers to the unique and influential visual style found in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari , a 1920 German silent horror film directed by Robert Wiene. The term is derived from the film's title and is often associated with the broader artistic movement known as German Expressionism.
Caligarism is characterized by its:
- Distorted Sets and Dramatic Lighting: The film features highly stylized, exaggerated sets with jagged, twisted shapes and stark contrasts between light and shadow.
- Surreal and Nightmarish Atmosphere: The visual style creates an eerie, dream-like quality that enhances the film's unsettling and uncanny mood.
- Psychological Themes: The narrative delves into themes of madness, control, and the blurred line between reality and illusion, reflected in the film's visuals.
This visual approach was groundbreaking at the time and has had a lasting impact on cinema, influencing filmmakers and genres for decades.
Gemma Files used "Caligarism" as the title of a short story. It was included in the anthology The Madness of Dr. Caligari, which features stories inspired by the 1920 silent horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.