What was one significant influence of German directors fleeing to the U.S.?

The influence of German directors who fled to the U.S. primarily impacted the horror genre, particularly in the early 20th century. These directors brought with them a rich tradition of expressionist filmmaking that emphasized moody atmospheres, psychological depth, and visually striking techniques. This synthesis dramatically shaped the American horror film landscape.

In films such as "Nosferatu" and "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," elements like chiaroscuro lighting, surreal sets, and nightmarish storytelling were prominent. This stylistic approach was adopted by Hollywood filmmakers, resulting in a heightened sense of dread and an exploration of psychological themes in horror movies. The success of these horror films paved the way for future classics that continued to draw from this German expressionist influence, such as "Frankenstein" and "Dracula."

As a result, the substantial contributions from these German filmmakers transformed how horror was perceived and created in America, giving the genre a new depth and resonance that would influence generations of filmmakers.