Review by: Root Rot
Today’s review was suggested by a friend that guaranteed he found a silent movie that I would like. Ignoring my past experiences with silent films, and the fact my friends is a fucking retard, I began to develop hopes that my friend’s claim was true.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Directed by: Robert Wiene
Plot: A sideshow entertainer named Dr. Caligari does an act that involves a
zombie guy who lives in a cabinet. Dr. Caligari is looking to put more people into a trance as a means to use them in his act….I think?…End..
This film is all over the place, which left me no choice but to speculate what was going on. If looked away for a few seconds it was hard to determine what exactly was happening in the film, even though there wasn‘t really anything happening…..really, nothing.
I have read reviews that project this film in a favorable light, which leaves me wondering if these reviewers were watching the same film. Some horror fans claim to love silent horror films; maybe they do, or maybe their claims are merely a unauthentic attempt to demonstrate how versed they are in the genre.
I’m sure this film, like other silent films served its purpose back in its day. Like the introduction of the modern day art house film, this film brought something new to the scene. Since the novelty is no longer there, the only remaining value of this film is it’s contribution to the development and expansion of film. Dr. Caligari may have been cool for a generation of viewers that thought it was a good idea to ban alcohol, but in the year 2010 this movie sucks. Once again, I was completely let down by a silent film and left to wonder why these movies are held in such high regards….or even still exist.
On the Root Rot scale of (A+) being the best and (E) the worst, the 1920 Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (E)… Don’t waist your time!
Related links
Question or comments
- The Witch’s Hat Voice Mail 313 444 2611
- thewitchshatblog@gmail.com
wait….what?! haha
Not enough “‘splosions” for you?
I guess not…
i liked this film for the artistic backgrounds, and the lighting they used kind of amplified it. all in all i tend to enjoy german expresionism films. so i cant say i hated this film. it has a cool “twilight zone” ending to it. but hey, to each their own. gret review as always man!
Hey man thanks for the feedback! I totally get how a true horror fan enjoys this film.. I had to be honest about my feeling toward TCoDC..
thats the only way to be man!
try The Unknown (1927) d. Tod Browning starring Lon Chaney Sr. and Joan Crawford. 60 minutes. Goes down easy. Tales from the Crypt-esque vibe.
Caligari is brilliant, by the way :)
The Unknown and Haxan are on my review list, and I have a hunch that I’ll enjoy them more then TCoDC. There is no doubt in my my you understand and have a genuine respect for Caligari.. If I recall correctly, you’re not a big fan of James Whales Frankenstein.. I may be misquoting you, if so sorry..
No, I am a fan of James Whale and Frankenstein. He’s one of my directing idols, actually.
I am not, however, a fan of Browning’s Dracula, which is a pretty poor film (the Spanish version is superior).
Sorry sir, for some reason I thought it was Whale’s Frankie.. I too am not a fan of Dracula (Brownwing). Thanks and good luck with your new flick…
Thanks for the kind wishes. The film has been going over extremely well. We actually sold out at our Flashback Weekend booth.
Oh, I couldn’t find an e-mail address for you on the site, but we are putting together a major Horror Poll for all the various horror podcasters. It’s going to be featured on an upcoming Splattercast episode (hopefully #200). It’s essentially a poll finding out where all the various podcasts and podcasters stand on the various big issues of the past 10 years (controversies, debates, etc.). We’re then going to compile the statistics and see if there is a consensus amongst horror podcasters and whatnot. We’d love for you to be a part of it.
If you’re interested, shoot me an e-mail at splattercast@deadlantern.com and I’ll e-mail you the poll. Thanks.
Tod Browning is great! I loved freaks!
Now Freaks is a good watch.
Freaks rules