The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

Spirit surrounds us on every side….

Happy All Hallows’ Evening, goblins and ghouls.

I trust this night will be filled with many spine-tingling chills and thrills. Let’s kick things off with a visit to a little town fair in Germany.

My final film selection for this special month is The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920). Directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer, this one hour, 20 minute tells the tale of a mysterious hypnotist, Dr. Caligari, who uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit gruesome murders.

What makes this six act film so incredible, besides the strong storytelling, makeup and the costuming, is the set design of the dark, warped world in which, our characters reside in. The unique landscape of twisted, sharp angles, narrow and distorted trails and crooked backdrops, along with shadowy lighting places its audience into a strange, nightmarish realm. A realm with a life of its own.

Rodger Ebert said it best - “this is the first true horror film.”

On that note, grab your final Halloween mug of this season and get ready for a special treat as you journey into madness. “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” can be been on You Tube for free.

Have a Happy Halloween!