What concept did Freud contribute to German Expressionism?

The concept that Freud contributed to German Expressionism is primarily related to symbolic storytelling. Freud introduced the idea of the unconscious mind and its influence on human behavior, which significantly impacted artists and filmmakers in the German Expressionist movement. They utilized symbolism to convey deeper psychological truths and emotions, reflecting the anxieties and inner conflicts of their characters, much like Freud's theories examined the workings of the human psyche.

In German Expressionist cinema, filmmakers embraced the psychological aspects of storytelling, incorporating themes such as dreams, nightmares, and the dual nature of humanity. This approach allowed for a rich tapestry of imagery and narrative that resonated with the complexity of human emotions, heavily influenced by Freudian concepts. While three-dimensional characters, psychological realism, and complex narrative structures are all present in various forms of cinema, the specific connection to Freud's contributions is most clearly seen in the use of symbolic storytelling, which served as a medium for expressing deeper psychological insights.