Research

German Expressionism

After World War 1 Germany struggled to keep up with the Hollywood film industry so they created their own style, expressionism. They developed Mise en scene and symbolism to create mood and atmosphere in their films.

They used wild set designs which were unrealistic and abstract to make up for their low budget films. They were very artistic and creative and often painted props, shadows and strange patterns on the set design which reflected their main themes of insanity and human experiences.

During the Nazi period many German directors emigrated to America and brought their expressionism style to the American films. Many of their styles influenced horror and crime movies especially their use of shadows and lighting.

Hitchcock’s style was influenced by expressionism when he went to work in the film industry in Berlin and many of the expressions can be seen is films. Hitchcock uses the lighting and film trickery in many of his films including ‘The lodger’ and the famous ‘Psycho’.

 German expressionism has also influenced other directors such as the famous Tim Burton who is known for his abstract and weird themes throughout his films. He has created many films including expressionism both real, Edward scissor hands, and cartoon, Coraline.