Steamed Hams but it's a German Expressionist Film

A man's attempt to impress his employer with a home-cooked meal goes awry. Inspired by The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
More Hams...
Steamed Hams but it was banned in the USSR
• Steamed Hams but it wa...
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---
Gedämpfter Schinken
ein Film von
Tyrone Deise
die hauptrollen
Kelly Money
Jason Smith
maskenbildner
Jenn Kess
---
Shot as part of the WNDX One Take Super 8 in Winnipeg, Canada. (2021)
#steamedhams #simpsons #silentfilm

[@sumvs5992]

"Well I made it, despite your directions" To be fair, anyone would need a step by step guide to get through a town designed by german expressionists.

[@chaosax0lotl]

Haha so true! (I know absolutely nothing about german expressionism)

[@Jason-eo1rh]

@@chaosax0lotl You have the humor of an emo girl

[@Jason-eo1rh]

Nah emo girl humor is worse. (Down the road, not across the street)

[@MashieMutt]

​@@Jason-eo1rhYou're one to talk, 2006 called, they want their cringey jokes back.

[@theloweffortchannel7211]

@@MashieMutt >imblyign a joke

[@herniebadlautner.7340]

It's a Hamburg expression.

[@coledakers6127]

I see

[@FrankinKal96]

Fun fact, in Buffalo, people actually call them hamburgs. And cheeseburgs.

[@Xbalanque84]

I am grudgingly forced to take off a point from this because they failed to incorporate that obvious joke.

[@nthgth]

@@FrankinKal96 well I live in Syracuse and I've never heard anyone use the words "hamburgs" or "cheeseburgs"

[@FrankinKal96]

@@nthgth It's a Buffalo expression.

[@joeweinerfilm3490]

Honestly, in the context of german expressionism, this makes total sense because having a massive fire in the kitchen in your home but choosing to ignore it in order to satisfy a social obligation is a really solid metaphor for the rise of fascism in Germany that was the central anxiety behind a lot of these films from Germany at the time.

[@alessamarfan4258]

you couldn't have said it better. 10/10👏👏👏

[@notcardlinsytaccount1355]

Okay redditor

[@kevinbayu7621]

@@sorrow2305 if it's a normal steamed ham parody I would agree, but this video is made in the style of Weimar era silent film which can be very political. so someone mentioning political stuff isn't that strange.

[@sorrow2305]

@@kevinbayu7621 Yes, but this particular video was not political and the way the OP phrased it, made it seem like they think this is political.

[@Doctor_Straing_Strange]

Woah, we managed to make Steamed Hams deep

[@n0denz]

>the surreal, jagged symmetry >the odd clothing >the amateur production marks >that incredible dissonant soundtrack >the use of shadows >the exaggerated facial expressions >the mere fact that Steamed Hams so easily lends itself to themes of the existential & surreal while commenting as well on the ennui of modernity This is unbelievable. I'm sending this to my old German Film Studies professor the second I submit this comment.

[@rt5hrnbfa304]

What's their thoughts on it?

[@n0denz]

@@rt5hrnbfa304 She quite liked it after I typed up what felt like an essay explaining the backstory on Steamed Hams. But she's a good sport. Before we screened Downfall, she brought up the Hitler Reacts videos, so it's not like she she doesn't get internet memes.

[@edwinve4112]

​@@n0denz what is "ennui"?

[@kiyoraka3537]

@@edwinve4112 ennui is a word kind of blending concepts of hopelessness and despair together, carrying a somewhat depressionist attitude; the official definition is "a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement"

[@BichaelStevens]

@@kiyoraka3537 So, despondence. We have a word for that.

[@kittyasmr6465]

This isn't a meme anymore. This is art.

[@HeroBot930]

When _wasn't_ it art?

[@IndorilTheGreat]

The evolution of memes to fine art is such a fascinating thing to witness

[@Alpostpone]

Art is essentially highly evolved memes

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

more like fart hahahahahaha

[@duffman18]

It was always art. "Art" doesn't mean "good". There's plenty of examples of terrible art. Although the steamed hams meme was never terrible anyway.

[@iliketoharasspeopleonyoutube]

Only 20s kids will remember

[@looker999997]

Nah, they probably won't.

[@notanothershrubbery]

Pepperidge Farms remembers.

[@iliketoharasspeopleonyoutube]

@@notanothershrubbery so close! But they are a 40s kid

[@thingfish000]

❤️ Conrad Veidt!

[@worldcomicsreview354]

If they weren't executed for enjoying "degenerate art", anyway

[@dustinprewitt]

The original Erich Von Stronheim cut is 16 hours long, but was destroyed in a studio aurora borealis and is considered lost

[@hotelmario510]

"Destroyed in a studio aurora borealis" made me spit out my drink

[@swingindoorspro2]

'Aurora Borealis? At this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within the studio?'

[@benjaminbaker3446]

​@@swingindoorspro2 ...Yes!

[@xotl2780]

They

[@graon4880]

I am depressed that I get this joke

[@valjean76]

They made us watch this first year or film school. Most of the students didn't get it but it changed my life. Truly a masterpiece and treasure from the ancient days of silent films.

[@TyroneDeise]

It’s one of those films that has its fingerprints on everything to come after it… and that ending!

[@JCCyC]

THIS spoof should be shown in film school too! A few semesters AFTER TCoDC.

[@Billy_Bad_Ass]

Yes, and it is the purest form of Art.

[@piperian3962]

It’s sad most people think of Nosferatu, but Steamed Hams was far more significant culturally.

[@RougeMephilesClone]

If you actually saw The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in school, something which I did and now recognize in the actors' costumes here, then represent.

[@AllLifeIsTravesty]

So glad they were able to restore this long lost film, so much cinematic history! Lang's _Metropolis_ was clearly inspired by it.

[@-IE_it_yourself]

i think this is the lost footage.

[@olegmoki]

And you won't believe, Simpsons predicted it! There's a surprisingly very similar scene to this film...

[@douglasfreeman3229]

Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, not Metropolis.

[@rounikray4950]

what film is this?

[@scottishcheese13]

@@rounikray4950 Steamed Hams, duh

[@MrGared22]

Ah yes, _The Cabinet of Superintendant Chalmers_ is one of my favorite German expressionist films too.

[@big_sea]

yes

[@momon969]

To really appreciate it you have to watch the original in German, 'Der Schrank des Oberschulbezirksvorstandsvorsitzenden Chalmers'

[@xayb9179]

@@momon969 I looked that up on google translate, that monstrosity is indeed a real work "High School District Chairman"

[@TiberentenTV]

@@xayb9179 No, it's not a real word, just a potential word that could be used. In the German Simpsons dub, Chalmers' title is correctly rendered as "Oberschulrat".

[@MissCaraMint]

Hey I actually got that joke.

[@entropybentwhistle]

Amazing reinterpretation, but getting Robert Smith to play Skinner was a masterstroke.

[@nicoguti]

And Shane Embury as Chalmers. Budget must've been pretty high!

[@assrammington7961]

Someone Napalm Deaths

[@julioibarra7156]

What I was seeing too 😆

[@cartertheunstoppablefaxmac902]

I got more of a Jaz Coleman vibe!

[@seamusdoyle4884]

Exactly what i thought, the resemblance is probably intentional and i love it.

[@j.marston]

The lighting on German Chalmers makes him look badass honestly.

[@M0butu]

If so, they did an excellent job. Experimenting with lighting is a trademark of (German) expressionism.

[@guilhermehank4938]

It makes him look threatening, which is the energy that people in power oozed back in the day in Germany

[@cookietinsewingkit]

"You know, these hamburgers are quite similar to the ones they have at Kafka Burger"

[@aleisterlavey9716]

I heard they are made by bugs.

[@simon_magus65ad]

"Hey, Uh, can i get a McSamsa with extra cheese?"

[@kevincaldwell9700]

Waiter, Czech please!

[@aleisterlavey9716]

@@simon_magus65ad it's not on you to decide, if you "can" get extra cheese. The shift manager has the sole authority to determine if the amount of cheese is appropriate for your situation. After his decision you either pay the extra fee he seems fit or you'll get a fine for not complying with the customer protection law.

[@tobiashandler9000]

@@aleisterlavey9716 That's like... kafkaesque yo

[@Xbalanque84]

I know nothing about old German films, but I have to give mad respect for actually filming what is fundamentally a shitpost with real life actors, props, and sets. You and your crew went above and beyond. God bless you all.

[@user-dx2xg8kx3n]

You should watch The Cabinet of Dr. Calgary. The sets are clearly inspired by this film.

[@ellemueller]

"The Cabinet of Dr Caligari", for anyone who doesn't know that's a typo.

[@henripentant1120]

The bureau of dr calimari

[@ruste9565]

@@user-dx2xg8kx3n it’s an Alberta thing I guess…

[@TheKillingGame01]

@@ruste9565 it's an Albany expression

[@Luxbecca]

The short film gem "Gedämpfter Schinken", an expressionist classic, is thought to have its origins in 1920s Berlin and is suspected to be an experimental film that was supposed to be part of a movie collection called "Der Rektor". As far as research goes, "Der Rektor" was never finalized, though "Gedämpfter Schinken" was highly thought to have been acted out and recorded in front of a small live audience of theater enthusiasts. The footage was thought to be lost during the second World War and only a newspaper clipping from a local Berlin paper dated 1924 was proof for its existence. In 1979 a theater intern discovered the remnants of "Gedämpfter Schinken" during a deep spring cleaning in a small Berlin-Kreuzberg theater. Efforts to restore the footage were only midly successfully and only a 3:15min clip remains. Movie experts still debate its meaning. And though the names of the actors, as well as the director have been lost to time and efforts to identify them still remain unsuccessful, "Gedämpfter Schinken" has grown to be one of the most fascinating pieces of early cinema.

[@bodiesands4654]

Imagine if later historians come across this and believe it haha 😅

[@misterloki4904]

​@@bodiesands4654 Gaslighting future historians sounds really funny.

[@bluewhale2000]

I'm a film student and I have a test on German expressionism in like 10 days, I'm pretty sure watching this is the only studying I need to do. Thank you my good sir

[@nathanara8051]

How did it turn out?

[@bluewhale2000]

@@nathanara8051 it was good! The test was harder than I thought it would be, but I think I did well. Didn't get my grade yet but feel good about it. And of course I aced the German expressionism part.

[@nathanara8051]

@@bluewhale2000 ​ Mazel tov! Happy to hear it went well. Hope the grades turn out well too

[@HappyBazinga]

​@@bluewhale2000whats the grade?

[@bluewhale2000]

@@HappyBazinga it's an 88! Not amazing but I'm happy with it considering how hard the test was.

[@quillquickcard8824]

It's really uncanny how much tension this adds to the whole scene

[@stingerjohnny9951]

Germán expressionism was always really good at making a surreal, borderline nightmare vibe.

[@Everettalla]

Yeah, he could’ve been sued

[@clouds-rb9xt]

@@Everettallawdym

[@nian89]

This left me speechless. This is the farthest point this meme can take us, you perfected it

[@schlaumensch]

As speechless as the actors?

[@big_sea]

yes

[@ricarleite]

It will only end when it's adapted to a musical and then to a film of the musical and then to a fighting game of the movie.

[@benji274]

Where can it possibly go next? Georges Melies perhaps?

[@bigman25plus25]

No… we can go… further still…

[@MrFoxInc]

This is seriously it for me. This is the end of Steamed Ham. Nothing goes beyond it, nothing _possibly_ could. As someone who was born just barely before the Wall fell and who just as barely still experiences the fading cultural history of this nation seep through the ever-so-tightening grip of the modern world, I seriously felt this video, every second of it. Like it was the real deal. I don't even mind that you didn't call it "Gedämpfte Huscheln". It's perfect as it is. Bless you guys!!

[@mtndogrally]

The Frogurt is also cursed.

[@TyroneDeise]

That’s bad!

[@duskpede5146]

you were alive at the same time and the berlin wall, man you are old :/

[@Kralledd]

​@@duskpede5146 well, the berlin wall only fell 1989, so youd only need to be a bit over 30 for that. Not too old tbh.

[@duskpede5146]

@@Kralledd bruh thats ancient

[@SuperCartoonist]

If I had a time machine, I would take this back to the 1920's and play it in a theater. It would be a Masterpiece.

[@gwest3644]

It'd just be banned for supposedly supporting communism and fade into obscurity until a bunch of Hollywood directors later cite it as a major inspiration for their work

[@Tesaka]

The 4K restoration was undertaken by the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung in Wiesbaden from the original camera negative held at the Bundesarchiv-Filmarchiv in Berlin. The first reel of the camera negative is missing and was reconstituted using alternate sources. Jump cuts and missing frames in 67 shots were reinserted from multiple prints. An original German release print does not exist. The basis for the colour tinting were two nitrate prints from Latin America, which represent the earliest surviving prints of the film, now stored at the Filmmuseum Düsseldorf and the Cineteca di Bologna.

[@javsandarts]

I know what you did there

[@professorhaystacks6606]

@@javsandarts I as well understood that reference.

[@SynGirl32]

@@javsandarts Even funnier is that Metropolis was in fact restored via a print found in Argentina. No one is quite sure how it got there...

[@M0butu]

@@SynGirl32 Nothing Deutsche ever arrived in Argentinien!

[@Fridelain]

@@M0butu Keine von Deutschland zum Argentinien gekommen hatt!

[@veraivanova4664]

As a hardcore German Expressionism enthusiast, thank you for making my fever dream come true. This is perfect. Huge props.

[@big_sea]

yes

[@addchannelname2052]

yes

[@tjarkschweizer]

How can someone be a hardcore German expressionism enthusiast? That is... certainly rare.

[@froggygod2973]

Do you have any recommendations? I’ve never heard of German expressionism before seeing this video, and I absolutely adore the dramatic lighting and scenery and I’d love to get into it more!

[@tjarkschweizer]

@@froggygod2973 Oh shit. It's contagious!?

[@Kain128]

Steamed Hams has always had some of the most high effort memes over the years, and this just goes to prove it. Very well made, good job!

[@elduderino007]

It's interesting. At 2:55 You can really tell in the final moments Skinner's ultimate fear manifest in his shaking. Does the fear come from the immediate situation or the foundation of lies he has now built this relationship upon. Truly a masterpiece.

[@isthatzo7703]

Detail I am absolutely obsessed with is that we don't see into the burning kitchen in this version. The audience is denied the certainty of an assertion that either skinner was telling the truth, and the impossible has been made manifest in his own house, or that he was lying to save face, and a further calamity has befallen our nervous wretch of a man. Nothing more expressionist than being denied that certainty. Fantastic job.

[@davidferrara1105]

We make our own burning kitchens. Does free will allow that we might sneak out and brave the absurdly long line at Krustyburger?

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

Or was Chalmers imagining the whole aurora thing to compensate for the crippling emptiness of his life that led him to accept a lunch invitation from Skinner? Don't we all invent our own aurora borealis to distract us from the reality that our steamed ham is merely a burger?

[@iluomopeloso]

​@@davidferrara1105 Ah, but does free will even exist‽ Did Skinner actually *choose* the Krusty Burgers, or was he merely following through on the predetermined results of universal laws and a script writ in stone (as it were) at the beginning of time?

[@n0denz]

Yes! This exactly! As the audience, we don't know if what we're seeing is reality or if the camera is a proxy for Herr Skinner's own perception.

[@TheSunkenShipWreck]

💀💀💀Deez nuts

[@Vanderyn]

Every time I think the meme has peaked, someone makes another glorious work of art like this.

[@walkaboutarts]

you read my thoughts exactly, sir!

[@Competitive_Antagonist]

I had no idea this meme was so old.

[@princeplotena]

the we are number one resurgence

[@ExperienceLOS7713]

Next up: Steamed Hams U.S. Presidential policy platform 2024

[@lorefox201]

was going to say just that

[@HamsterVormFenster]

As a German, I was gonna point out that "gedampft" would've been less ambiguous for the title but then I realised the ambiguity actually works in favour here: "gedämpft" also means subdued or muted - not in the sense of something being imperceptible but simply less perceptible, less but still clearly there. I don't have a background in expressionist films but I do think this double meaning fits the film quite well: the visuals as well as the audio are muted, the mood is subdued, the comedy aspect is pushed into the background in favour of Art Appreciation... considering these things, the title is actually quite perfect. Was this on purpose?

[@zaphod297]

Abgesehen davon ist "gedämpft" auch einfach die einzig richtige Partizipform von "dämpfen"

[@Dark_Slayer3000]

As a German, this film matches well with real expressionism films of the time, the burning kitchen being ignored to satisfy a social obligation is a great metaphor for fashism, wich was the center of these films.

[@kingsnivy]

This film steamed hams also known as "Der Burgerbetrug" is a film long thought to have been lost with only promotional images existing. The film was long thought to be destroyed during WW2 after the director's own home was destroyed in a fire caused by a bomb. it wasn't until 2005 where a badly damaged copy was found at an abandoned church in Argentina was found by local explorers. The film went through restoration process and was released to the public in 2007. The film itself is an artistic statement on the class system many societies use, how we as people always try to make those higher than us happier without thinking about our own well-being. The film remains a cult masterpiece and holds up as being one of the best expresssionist films of the time and today.

[@trutzblankerhans]

the fully immersive gonch experience

[@professorhaystacks6606]

I understood this reference and other similar ones.

[@big_sea]

yes

[@terragthegreat175]

Hm I wonder who brought this film from Germany to Argentina 🤔🤔

[@Annodamydal]

I would say you dropped this 👑 but you’re already royalty so

[@beek.4860]

There are two things I love in this world: early silent horror film, and spending way too much time and effort on really silly niche things mostly for your own amusement. This, obviously, is the greatest thing I think I've ever seen.

[@EinFelsbrocken]

I was convinced this was just a clever re edit of an actual film; but... wow. I was wrong. Impressive stuff.

[@ohworm3c413]

This is literally art, and I'm not joking- the dedication to replicating the German expressionist style with the set design is wonderful

[@NA-AN]

Hmm, ahh, yes. The Mans willingness to abandoned his integrity over merely impressing his employer shows the ways a strictly classed base society can cause those to abandon their morals for petty favour from their superiors. This is a joke obviously but still, it kinda rings true in a highly specific, bizarre way. And, Amazing video, best steamed ham video ever.

[@MadHatter42]

Even the phrase “delightfully devilish!” seems to take on a new, Faustian dimension when filmed in this style.

[@tommylakindasorta3068]

Based

[@NA-AN]

@@tommylakindasorta3068 Please don't say that ever again.

[@shanearnold7781]

Murnau would be proud

[@calumcookson740]

Arbeiter und Schmarotzer

[@taranullius9221]

You merged Caligari with The Simpsons. You found the very key to my soul and entire existence.

[@deniseb.4656]

Expressionism and The Simpsons. I love it. I'd argue that The Simpsons are more surrealist though.

[@supercompooper]

Exactly what I was gonna say 🙂

[@fakerinmyroom]

If I didn't know the meme, I'd swear I'd think this would be a real expressionist film I've never heard of. Amazingly well done.

[@SanctifiedLux42]

This was the film that got Hitler rejected from art school.

[@thefearhawk8805]

Im Namen ganz Deutschlands applaudiere ich den Machern dieses Kunstwerkes. Hut ab!

[@derbeak545]

Und ich danke Ihnen werter Kamerad, dass sie in unser allen Namen danken. Danke!

[@Klonter77]

Die Haiderschaft erfreut sich höchster Gefühle!

[@hampelmann7574]

Sie dämpfen aber auch einen guten Schinken

[@samuelsamenstrang6069]

@@Klonter77 Meddl Loide. Wunderbares Espressonisdisches Filmchen.

[@Klonter77]

@@samuelsamenstrang6069 Meddl Loide

[@JasonBeam7]

This has transcended memes and has become a work of art in itself. The effort to produce and shoot this as authentically as possible on actual film in the style of the Expressionists shows a lot of work and dedication to what essentially is a shitpost. Bravo.

[@webbowser8834]

Tbh high effort authentic shitposts are a very German tradition. This is exceptionally well done.

[@viktorberzinsky4781]

I am both flabbergasted that someone went this hard for the sake of a meme and absolutely awed that they so masterfully replicated that era and style of film. This is simultaneously a silly shitpost and a genuine work of art.

[@samueltrusik3251]

This was genuinely the best made Steamed hams edit ever. It is not even an edit, it is a fricking theater adaptation!

[@TheStockwell]

Elvis impersonators are *so* 20th century. This film guarantees that Werner Krauss tribute artists are going to be the next big trend. 🐧

[@TyroneDeise]

I like to live on the cutting edge.

[@sammidoneff]

How dare you make me read the words Werner Krauss tribute artists with mine own two eyes

[@niceone7927]

@@sammidoneff he made you write them with your own hands, too

[@worldcomicsreview354]

@@niceone7927 A fascinating musing on the concept of "free will", do we truly guide our own hands, or are we merely the puppets of unseen forces?

[@theloweffortchannel7211]

@@worldcomicsreview354 "The thoughts of all men arise from the darkness. If you are the movement of your soul, and the cause of that movement precedes you, then how could you ever call your thoughts your own? How could you be anything other than a slave to the darkness that comes before?"

[@TheMisterGuy]

The effort this ancient meme is getting is just unreal.

[@tommcewan7936]

I am amused that you remark that the *meme* is "ancient," but not the style being applied to it here!

[@wellplayod1957]

i’ve always been entranced by the dreamy and nightmarish feeling expressionist films give me. that said, i can’t believe a steamed hams meme just gave me the same eerie, curious feeling.

[@edherdman9973]

1:06 new reaction image just dropped (c. 1920, dir. Rober Weine)

[@pitodesign]

So great to see this now in such good condition! Parts of it were lost for decades and only rediscovered recently in Argentina. You've done a great job here in restoring this gem!

[@PotterPossum1989]

I'm frightened that I completely understood this reference.

[@nikolairostov3326]

@@PotterPossum1989 me too.

[@Charles-hq7ce]

@@PotterPossum1989 i understand the historical connection between old germans and argentina, but is this that the only refrence happening here?

[@lihuenbartoli7895]

@@Charles-hq7ce the film Metropolis was thought to be lost, but a copy was found in Argentina

[@worldcomicsreview354]

@@Charles-hq7ce Also Bart calls a random number in Argentina and gets, erm, somebody who is absolutely an Argentine and has never even been to Europe. And even if he did, what's a few crimes against humanity anyway?

[@ivanbukac4618]

Dude filmed a meme far beyond what anybody would actually think. Dude, you have no idea how much respect i have for you. God bless you.

[@gandalf_thegrey]

That moment when shitposting goes *HARD*

[@jarniwoop]

Outstanding

[@KaelWrit]

This is an absolutely gorgeous tribute to Caligari, The amount of loving work you must have put into the set design alone is astounding. and the costumes! The make up, the acting... I half thought you had just edited the original. Really well done. I am so delighted, bravo.

[@rsolsjo]

Seeing a stove oven in the German expressionist style warms my heart. And steams my hams.

[@newtybot]

It always brings me joy to see people understand that Chalmers doesn’t actually yell “Seymour” in that scene, and that it’s actually part of the song

[@Bee-gg5mk]

The amount of effort put into this is incredible, truly looks authentic 20s German. I love when people go to such lengths to be deliberately silly. Absolutely amazing work!

[@TyroneDeise]

Being silly is serious business

[@andrewtodaro2874]

Yes, specifically The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

[@fredericksmith7942]

This is so authentic to the style, film quality, lighting, and set design to 1920s cinema that I thought that you had just found an old silent film and added the Steamed hams dialogue as a joke. You filmed this?! This could pass as the genuine article. Even the makeup and acting techniques are similar. I don’t know much about the German expressionist movement specifically (My expertise is more in American Cinema) but I do know about 1920s cinema. This feels real. You could have passed this off as real with slightly tweaked dialogue.

[@klhaldane]

I love the way you can hear the rattle of the movie projector the entire time.

[@jerrycoob4750]

Is that... _A Cabinet of Doctor Caligari parody!?!_ Hands down, you are a _man of class_ >:D

[@texnb4]

"Tyrone, I don't use the word "Übermensch" very often, but you are the greatest Übermensch in the Weimar Republic." - Herr Lionel Hutz

[@davidcoyle1084]

"Ja, ja!!" Herr Nelson Muntzengrüber.

[@texnb4]

@@davidcoyle1084 Gott im Himmel, meine Tastatur! 😜

[@CathuluGaming]

dang, steamed hams has become an art movement at this point.

[@DonoVideoProductions]

I have to commend especially the color grade, texture, and contrast of this. It has that gauzy, almost out of focus, high-contrast look of old film. Plus, the fingers-on-a-chalkboard violin music bed is the perfect amplifier of the tension in this scene. One would be hard pressed to know this was not found archival footage until the thj bs up at the end. Fantastic!

[@TyroneDeise]

Well, it was shot on film.

[@DonoVideoProductions]

@@TyroneDeise Yes, but so many productions try to do film noir or similar treatments, and it never looks right. Unless you used period stock and lenses and lights and processing, you had to give this post-production treatment that resulted in this look. It's spot-on.

[@blistlelo1700]

Looks like Tim Burton personally invites Carl Marx over for Steam Hams in one of his early bizarre experimental films.

[@beek.4860]

To be fair, Tim Burton basically made his career off of one prolonged Caligari reference. (As he should.)

[@dhawkes5096]

@@beek.4860 The Secret to Creativity Is Knowing How to Hide Your Sources

[@Game_Hero]

I, too, love personally inviting figures from the 19th century for my bizarre experimental films!

[@alvarodiazrodriguez2603]

@@Game_Hero name them.

[@Game_Hero]

@@alvarodiazrodriguez2603 I've invited Louis-Joseph Papineau, Sitting Bull and Jules Vernes for my home movie, they rocked in the roles I gave them, especially Sitting Bull as the laid-back party boy.

[@Ghiaman1334]

I adore this. The atmosphere is completely changed despite minimal revisions to the actual story and dialogue (now added in text). The physical acting gives a whole new complexion, and fits so well with early cinema, especially post WWI experimental films.

[@party4lifedude]

This film was way ahead of its time

[@SEGAClownboss]

Usually when things attempt to be authentically "retro" they always look fake to me because something in either the editing or the sound or the people's faces and costumes gives it away, but this is one where it could actually fool me. If you showed me these and told me they were from the 1920s, I would believe you. So that's amazing artistry on your part.

[@austinvoelker9270]

Man, I was randomly thinking about watching through the many videos of "Steamed Ham," and just happen to find this recent video. Using my favorite film style, and being very authentic in it's presentation. I clap my hands at you for what a terrific video you made... *CLAP*

[@TyroneDeise]

Thanks. I had a roll of Super 8 film to shoot, and I thought this would be perfect.

[@Edwing77]

*klatscht ebenfalls*

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Steamed Hams Inc. is probably the winner of the steamed hams award, but this is art.

[@TyphonBaalHammon]

Was wondering if you'd spliced together footage from actual expressionist films from the 1920s, it took me until the end to realize the truth and look at the video description. Incredible job.

[@a-s-greig]

Making it with surviving footage would be another challenge entirely.

[@baronvonyossi681]

That set design is so perfect that for the first few seconds I legitimately thought this video might be using actual clips from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. It's a truly impressive recreation of the style of one of my all-time favorite films, not to mention the absolute peak of the Steamed Hams meme

[@akakjb]

Bravo, my man! I've been seeing so many suggestions lately that have titles like, "Fantastic Four Reimagined as a 1980's Westminster Dog Show" and what we get are a bunch of still shots backed by a relentless sitcom-style piece of music that could be used to punish enemies of the State. They're mildly amusing at their best. At their worst, it makes me believe that we need to speed up the inevitable demise of the human race by their own hands. Then here you come, actually taking the time to create a real video that not only nails the aesthetic but is even satisfying as comedy! Again, BRAVO! Can't wait to check out your other content!

[@TyroneDeise]

Those ‘videos’ are like cockroaches.

[@growingsage]

I thought they were interesting aat first but then my recommendations kept showing them to me unprompted (never clicked on one) so I just started blocking them

[@cornerspider2477]

I watched this after finishing The Cabinet of Dr.Caligari, and I cannot put into words how much this video made me laugh! It looks so authentic, exactly what I needed at 3am

[@MissCaraMint]

It does doesn’t it. It’s been a few years since I saw The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari myself, but the style is unmistakable.

[@tommcewan7936]

This is exactly what *everyone* needs at 3am.

[@AverageJoeCinema]

This is *so* convincing that I thought you edited this from footage of actual films from the time. It eventually became clear that you did, in fact, film this yourself. I am VERY impressed.

[@daseda2008]

This one closes the competition.

[@davidcoyle1084]

"You call them Hamburgers, despite the fact they are obviously from Köln."

[@AnthroFiend]

The fact that you even used music from a release of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is THE icing on the cake.

[@sea3465]

This is amazing, it needs a million more views, holy shit

[@Normabbot27]

This is what you watch first year of film school 😂

[@colfraserholser]

Man, I love the twelve-tone soundtrack, so fitting

[@AndrewAmbrose]

We have officially reached a new level of artistry with Steamed Hams

[@CalebTibster]

2:17 These shots are so beautifully intense! With just a simple change in camera angle, you turn a moment of incredulity into a straight-up interrogation. Extraordinary work!

[@MAngel-hq6hc]

2:22 My favorite frame 😮

[@bleuscorpio]

Just him shaking his head at 1:05 is comedy gold

[@maskmaster8898]

The amount of effort that went into this STEAMED HAMS MEME is unreal. My goodness. Period appropriate hats off to you, sir.

[@gretathuumberg]

"Why is there smoke coming out of your oven, Seymour?" hits differently when a German is saying it

[@Superschokokeks]

because we are well versed cooks and smoke coming out of the oven is the unthinkable. That's why Only of that reason nothing else

[@superplushtiman7ti075]

I mean this is supposed to be a film from the Weimar Republic era of Germany (up to Adolf coming to power, however expressionism like that died when the Great Depression hit Germany like a ton of bricks, also gave popularity to extreme ideologies such as Communism and National Socialism)

[@scottw3048]

"Well kids! This is where you would watch Itchy and Scratchy... except they're on the *Gabbo* show now. So - here's Germany's favourite expressionist silent movie team; Seymöur Skinnerdorf and Jurgen Chalmerschlautz!" *movie plays* ... "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT"

[@steelpatches9637]

I think the people of the early 1900's would actually enjoy watching this. Good job!

[@TheGreenKnight500]

This has to be the most esoteric version of this meme I've ever seen. I'd love to see how confused someone would be if they didn't know this was a big Simpsons reference.

[@Zatchham]

As someone who has watched a lot of old films in art school directly inspired by expressionism, this is so spot on in direction, lighting, and stage setting! This meme has literally just transcended overtime into the realm of art and for that I love it so much more.

[@karmaduq]

This meme just keeps delivering. Got here from "Steamed Hams but it was banned in the USSR" which is also an excellent period take.

[@SweeTeasGarbageDump]

The Steaming of The Hams

[@KiljiArslan]

If you listen to the commentary on the season 7 Simpsons dvd they say they were inspired by a lost German experimental film from the twenties. It’s insane you rediscovered it.

[@shinyagumon7015]

Fun Fact: Since they couldn't afford the rights to the original work the film makers had to substitute the characters for original creations. That's why in the German print Skinner is called Steiner, Chalmers is called Charmant and the Ham is called Rothfuß.

[@thelouisfanclub]

Lmao why is this so true

[@crimsondynamo615]

Unfortunately they did get sued by the original rights holders and the courts demanded every print of the film destroyed, but we did find one preserved film canister that didn’t get wiped or burned. So now we have this cinematic masterpiece today.

[@radioragdoll1870]

I love this comment so much!

[@aliveslice]

Explain the context behind this please

[@shinyagumon7015]

@@aliveslice It's a reference to how Nosferatu was an unlicensed adaptation of Dracula which meant they had to substitute all the names from the novel with original (german) names in the Film. The film was still considered a plagiarized adaptation and so most commercial copies got burned which another commenter referenced in the replies.

[@cmcfly6722]

This looks like a lost silent film

[@micmul23]

The kitchen of chef Caligari.

[@seancoyote]

I hate when I burn my Rinderbraten...

[@albertross252]

It’s like when you discover they sampled an old song in a modern one. I never knew this famous sketch was a remake

[@caronte008]

I'm going to tell my children this is Metropolis.

[@title9387]

That 1920's classic...The Cabinet of Dr. Skinner

[@riprubbler5211]

My favorite kind of humor is taking something really silly and twisting it in a very sophisticated way. This is the pinnacle of that and I have nothing but respect for you creating this! Especially with such prowess!

[@Sarah-vo2qu]

I hope this one gets more views during this Steamed Hams renaissance- this is so good!!!!

[@nadjajohansson8569]

Ah yes, the famous "Cabinet of dr. Chalmers"! Absolutely brilliant work! Made me genuinely happy for hours.

[@antoniopereiraneves2009]

The line that got me was "It's an Augsburg expression".

[@corbinmarkey466]

It's a miracle that this classic has been preserved.

[@Damian_1989]

I love when memes get so popular, they get turned into artistic masterpieces

[@joko49perez]

I've never seen a Caligari meme before and it makes me happy.

[@j.wilcox3547]

Mans inhumanity towards his fellow man... makes great burgers