Which film is considered a landmark of German Expressionism?

"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" is considered a landmark of German Expressionism for several reasons. This 1920 silent film, directed by Robert Wiene, is often regarded as the quintessential example of the movement due to its innovative use of visual style to convey psychological themes and emotional states.

German Expressionism as a cinematic movement was characterized by distorted sets, stark contrasts in lighting, and exaggerated performance to depict the inner turmoil of characters. In "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," these elements are prominently featured. The film employs strikingly angular and distorted set designs that create an unsettling atmosphere, reflecting the protagonist's disturbed mental state. The use of chiaroscuro lighting enhances the dramatic tension and reinforces the film's themes of madness and authority.

Moreover, the narrative structure of the film, which involves a framing device that blurs the lines between reality and insanity, is emblematic of Expressionist cinema's exploration of psychological depth and societal critiques. The themes of authority and manipulation in the story can be interpreted as commentaries on the political climate of post-World War I Germany, further solidifying its significance in the context of both film history and German cultural identity.

While "Nosferatu," "M," and "Metropolis