The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari's 100th Anniversary - Cinemassacre Review

It's the 100th anniversary of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. So James Rolfe decided to review it on this week's Cinemassacre movie review! Dr. Caligari is a German silent horror film released on February 26th, 1920. Directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer. Considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, it tells the story of an insane hypnotist (Werner Krauss) who uses a somnambulist (Conrad Veidt) to commit murders. The film features a dark and twisted visual style, with sharp-pointed forms, oblique and curving lines, structures and landscapes that lean and twist in unusual angles, and shadows and streaks of light painted directly onto the sets.
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[@skijumpnose]

Wow 100 years and still a cool atmospheric movie

[@nux3960]

Dork..

[@skijumpnose]

@Thunder Mask Always been available as far as i know

[@skijumpnose]

@Thunder Mask Robert Wiene

[@setsers1]

BOOYAH 100 YEARS

[@Fracassi1]

For sure. I love the non-euclidian sets. Another movie I would say inspired by this is Call of Cthulhu (2005).

[@travtotheworld]

Honestly, the "James sits at his counter and talks about a thing" videos are probably my favorite Cinemassacre videos. Thanks for all the entertainment you create!

[@wpynaemnasuchegoprzestworo8336]

Yep, me too. :)

[@dozenskillzproductions5505]

Agreed. I could care less about the other guy’s opinions and more about the facts that James gives us.

[@chrizfitz]

+1

[@tr3vk4m]

AVGN is great and I hope it never ends but this is James's true calling and he is truly a master of his profession.

[@edgarbanuelos6472]

He could be talking about his taxes while filing them at that counter and it'd still be enjoyable.

[@youdontcarewho1am]

People were shocked in 2010 when Shutter Island came out. I can only imagine what a German citizen in 1920 would have thought of this film.

[@krux02]

Well in 1920 people just survived World War 1. Then there was the Spanish flu wiping away another big portion of th citizens. People nowadays like to be shocked, but back then they just wanted to escape reality.

[@youdontcarewho1am]

@@krux02 You're right. I bet a lot of people really liked this film. I wasn't trying to suggest that the only response would have been one of shock, anger, something along those lines.

[@an3582]

I thought people were mostly confused by Shutter Island.

[@tr3vk4m]

@@an3582 is that because Shutter Island is an anagram of Alien Shit Turds?

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

Shutter Island is Awesome!

[@gameboydadtm37]

“The movies 100th anniversary” that’s just mind blowing to hear.

[@149CreepingDeath08]

Theres about to be A LOT of those in the coming years, basically forever now

[@ThePreciseClimber]

@@149CreepingDeath08 We just had to pass that threshold.

[@moblinmajorgeneral]

I mean, it's not gonna be too long from now that the Oscars turn 100.

[@Ultimatesadventures]

Just think that nobody that took part in this movie is alive now... But they live on through art.

[@eeeeewewew]

I love the way James talks about movies his passion is so clear. I would never hear of films like this if not for him.

[@subliminal128]

Michael Mearney He’s an extremely knowledgable guy

[@ivans.191]

I found out about this film in 2008. Was very surprised with the plot twist). Eventually I wrote a book about history of horror films. Also when I found out about James reviews it was like watching videos of your good friend)

[@dsegui85]

Without James the odds of me knowing about this movie drastic go down ;)

[@k4rec4]

@@EvilishDem0nic8732WhatItDo Actually that's the case. James' a cineaste, a filmmaker. That's his profession and passion. Gaming and AVGN was just for fun, but turned out to be his better known work.

[@theh-man4418]

Yes he sounds very wise when he talks about movies I like most KZbinrs, that sound like they just got into films yesterday or read what makes them good or bad on the internet.

[@ecs-xix]

At the Deutsche Kinemathek (German film museum) in Berlin, they have a whole section dedicated to this film. I can’t remember if they have anything from the original set, but they do have an amazing scale model of the set. It’s so good.

[@andrewmanford]

Well, I know where my next trip will be. Thanks for the info.

[@ecs-xix]

Andrew Manford it’s one of the best museums I’ve ever been to - also has a huge Metropolis section too!

[@lalas181]

I definitely have to visit eventually, then.

[@Demonetization_Symbol]

I wanna see it.

[@HeretixAevum]

It's so much better when James can share his thoughts and insight about a movie without being interrupted by the other guys, you know, how it used to be.

[@ErwalDeeas]

Preach!

[@UnwrittenSpade]

Doomguy i agree i really dont like the others being apart of it

[@ItsOnlyNiall]

100%

[@k4rec4]

That's exactly what I would say.

[@fontunetheteller410]

Doomguy keep in mind these videos are scripted while the others are not. These videos are for a more scholarly analytical purpose that, if I were a film teacher, would proudly play in my classroom.

[@TheGoukaruma]

The 1920s was the big time of German cinema. Take Metropolis, Nosferatu or Caligari. They all had a huge influence on other movies.

[@golternator333]

But then.... Nazism :(

[@artsshorts]

Metropolis is the bees knees

[@Tubeite]

@@artsshorts Nosferatu is also awesome.

[@Arttekot]

Somehow cinema historians and critics used to put Leni Riefenstahl's works above these great silent movies. I never understand that. Despite nazi-propaganda, they just don't have same artistic volume to me.

[@EvilNightwolf]

One funny thing about Nosferatu is, that the actors name who plays the vampire is "Max Schreck". His surname can be translated to "fright" or "scare". What a strange coincidence.

[@RundFyrkant]

Angry or not. James knows his shit when he puts that side forward. Really enjoyed this indepth cinemahistory lesson on a more serious note . Thanks forsharing. More like this please. 👍

[@ivans.191]

Would you like to read a book on the subject as well?)

[@devote]

@@ivans.191 A book ! What the hell do you take us for ?!?!¡!! Seriously though what book ?

[@ivans.191]

@@devote My book

[@studogable]

@@ivans.191, what is your book?

[@iosefka7774]

This is why I love James. So many online reviewers just write off older films, but James has an actual love for cinema.

[@spetterman2916]

The funny thing is that he's opposite. He writes off new films lol

[@CarlosHernandez-rl2wg]

@@spetterman2916 I doubt that. I think older films need more exposure. That's the reason why.

[@dreamlandnightmare]

Any "reviewer" who writes off older films has no business reviewing films.

[@FatherStack]

I love this films and silent cinema in general. I wish more people gave it a chance. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari invented a lot of new tropes for horror films. It's such an important film and it's amazing that people are still watching it one hundreds years later. I can't wait to see this video, James! I'm sure it's fantastic!

[@AlexRN]

How come this is a 1920 silent film and yet is in color? It doesn’t make sense.

[@pho3nix-]

What tropes did it invent?

[@poli.f.0nia]

@@pho3nix- the twist ending, for one

[@rogue7723]

Not even so much as horror movie tropes, but tropes in general. One example that comes to mind is when the people at the insane asylum resemble characters in the story itself. It reminded me a bit of "The Wizard Of Oz", when the people in Kansas like the farmhands, Prof. Marvel, and Ms. Gulch, all resembled the characters Dorothy met in Oz like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, The Wizard and The Wicked Witch of the West. Also, I read a bit of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and there was nothing about that in the novel, that was all for the movie.

[@robertoremelli]

He's gonna take you a 100 years back to the past.

[@ROCKYPLAYA]

To show a kickass movie that rocks.

[@FormulaFanboy]

@@ROCKYPLAYA If you'd said "to show a movie that is kickass", it would've kinda rhymed...

[@travisbrooks6172]

Not

[@travisbrooks6172]

@@ROCKYPLAYA cruelty about that one !

[@JohnGoetzGaming]

To talk about a movie that kicks ass

[@bio-plasmictoad5311]

It's insane how modern it looks in an artistic way, it looks like it could of been made now not one hundred years ago.

[@GLASSGHOSTHUNTERS]

I have mad respect for James because he clearly loves movies. He's not someone that does reviews in a halfway manner. He's extremely analytical.

[@ruthiehenshallfan99]

Conrad Veidt's performance is a century and is still amazing.

[@spayseghost]

James does very well when talking about old films. i can see that he likes them.

[@guille7545]

Cinemassacre best videos: James talking.

[@GlennJimenez]

No joke.

[@derworfnet]

I didn't expect a 100+ year old movie to surprise me but that twist at the end genuinely caught me offguard.

[@axemansjazz6670]

I was the same way. That kind of thing is usually cliche, but it somehow works very well with this story.

[@AdamFerrari64]

I can’t believe a movie this well made is 100 YEARS OLD. This movie is one of my favorite films ever. Thank you James 😊

[@boomstickmick5652]

Now I know where Rob Zombie's inspiration came from when he made his Living Dead Girl music video. Hot damn, James, you're no mere film critic. You're a film scholar, my dude. : )

[@stanley13579]

I believe the proper pronunciation of Cesare would be "Che-sa-ray", James. :) It's actually the Italian version of "Caesar".

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

This is the correct answer.

[@gabriellavedier9650]

Kai-zar, profligate.

[@SoupFormifamli]

Imagine how twisted Wiene and Janowitz' minds must have been to think up this story and scenery without really any other films from which to draw inspiration. Absolutely groundbreaking movie that still resonates. Thank you for highlighting its centennial, James! What a cool milestone.

[@VicariousReality]

It couldn't have been too hard when you put its release into the context of Germany's state after WWI - it was absolutely ruined, so it's no wonder such a film was made under those conditions.

[@user-qj9sg7wr4z]

The "monster carry" should be some kind of sporting event for couples. Like a charity fun run, but half of the people there are dressed as classic monsters

[@jstratton1981]

I saw this movie because as a kid, my uncle was huge into horror flicks so he showed this to me shortly after we saw beetleguise in the theater.

[@Popcultureguy3000]

Your uncle recognized Burton’s influences straight away. He sounds awesome!

[@hollowhell3104]

I would love to meet your uncle

[@richardmcleod1930]

Conrad Veidt had a memorable career, and is sadly he is unknown by most people these days.

[@CorvaxCathedral]

I mean hey if it makes you feel any better I am an 18 year old and I love Conrad Veidt and old silent movies! His legacy will continue to live on

[@richardmcleod1930]

I always appreciated Conrad Veidt's performance opposite Joan Crawford in "A Woman's Face". Of course "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" is a masterpiece of film (silent or talkie). His passing was way too early given his age and talent.

[@andrealopriore9062]

I had to watch this movie for a university exam: a really, really interesting piece of movie-making history indeed, unbelievably stylish and atmospheric.

[@chriswilson3126]

Easily the greatest silent film ever made. I think it was kind of a blessing that the film is limited by the technology of the time so they had to emphasise on what they had with the visuals.

[@DodZz666]

This sounds way ahead of its time even in terms of story

[@RealAlphaDrum]

Existentialism has its roots in the enlightenment and the particulars of Aristotle, something that grabbed society in the 1800s, and we still cling to it today somewhat blindly as "intellectualism," though almost unknowingly accept it as reality. It was early concerning the 1940s, but it seems as if it has overstayed its welcome as we see the obvious chaos it has generated over decades of hopelessness. Consider Europe though, where it originated. 1920 seems to be right on point with the absurdity of things being embraced.

[@kevinhurst9158]

German expressionism for you

[@bgp001]

I'd like to see you do a 100th anniversary review of "The Golem" later this year. It just had a 4k restoration, which is jaw dropping beautiful. An US release is coming very soon.

[@The_Str4nger]

You mean "Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam" from 1920. The original "The Golem" from 1914 is still lost

[@jtcob8486]

@@The_Str4nger *1915

[@nealpaige3907]

Rare day when we get a good review without the sidekicks .

[@Penicks]

this. so sick of those other neckbeards

[@yoyomonkey7986]

@@Penicks man i thought I was the only one. I was in my car baked as shit and was like you know what screw these guys I only like James lol. Didn't even realize I didn't like them till that night.

[@BattleFlanky]

The fatbodies add nothing but distraction. James this is the type of content your fans love the most.

[@k4rec4]

Agree. 'Rental Reviews' is the only section of Cinemassacre that I don't care an inch.

[@djdilo7208]

This movie is a Classic it needs more recognition

[@studogable]

@@reinforcedpenisstem true, but it only placed in the 300s in the last BFI poll. It needs to be up in the pantheon with Citizen Kane and Tokyo Story.

[@studogable]

FWIW, I'm working on a Caligari Centennial project for a conference in October. The literature on the film is indeed daunting. It's such an influential film.

[@jeffersonderrickson5371]

My mind blew. The dream like state that was created in this movie and its endless inspiration. This was fantastic.

[@joseloreto4284]

100 years of Horror... it's time to watch even more classic horror movies like Dr Caligari.

[@ivans.191]

100 years of horror was also documentary hosted by Christopher Lee)

[@noenya8047]

I love watching the Cabinet of Dr.Calgari on Halloween, it makes watching horror movies on October more enjoyable.

[@markrebolos9402]

So much passion when he speaks old movies. James is not just a youtuber, he existed before that, he is an awesome filmmaker to the core.

[@wpynaemnasuchegoprzestworo8336]

I love when James talks about old movies. Greetings from Poland!

[@cbarbs8277]

I remeber watching this in highschool and it blew my mind. Really set me down the path of looking up weird art films Thank you James for sharing this to a wider audience

[@thefreakmachine]

Damn, i really miss Monster Madness. Come back James, to give us chills and creeps.

[@kingdavey90]

I hope viewers of all ages, young and old, watch these videos.

[@samd2013]

I watched this in a film history class that I took back in 2010, I remember comparing it to shutter island at the time because that had just come out and the endings felt similar to me. Crazy that the movie is 100 years old now.

[@kingdavey90]

I got goosebumps on the last lingering closing shot.

[@BlAcKsTaR9032]

Omg one of my favorite films of all time!!

[@kennylauderdale_en]

I want to thank you for covering a movie nobody else has on their radar. This is why I subscribe. The movie reviews are nice, but just hearing you talk about what you're passionate about is even better. Especially when it's a super old influential movie like this.

[@spawn760]

100 years of horror cinema today I shall never forget, very important to remember, thanks James

[@DeeCee11]

This might be my favorite Cinemassacre video of all time. You can see the passion oozing out of James when he describes the set designs, the acting and the history of this amazing film. Kudos.

[@thephantommonica3608]

The last time I was this early Dr Caligari was just released

[@jojonoa3590]

It honestly blows me away that people were doing something so experimental and artistic this early in the history of film. James is slowly but surely building up my interest in old horror movies!

[@BadGuyRants]

100 years? Those old horror films were the best.

[@Safersephiroth777]

100 years and this style back then...Damn.

[@Junglebellzzz]

Always wanted to watch it. Never did. 100th anniversary is another reason to. Now I have no excuses not to watch it. Thx James, good video as always. Keep it up.

[@scottmoore1614]

Watch it...NOW!

[@alexheadley762]

I have waited so long for this day. The day where I can say that one of my favorite films of all time is 100 years old. I'm showing it to a group of friends tonight who have never seen it before and I couldn't be more excited for it

[@alexheadley762]

@@100toonlink thankfully, they all loved it and were way more open to it being a silent movie than I expected. Even though we all joked about it pretty much throughout the entire movie, they couldn't help but become entranced in its atmosphere

[@RavenHouseMystery]

Thanks James for giving us your wonderful insight into this film. 100 years old and Caligari is still an inspiration for horror fans and filmmakers today.

[@kokopellihiker1]

Love it when you do these films, James. Your passion for film really comes through. Thanks for all the great years.

[@chaoticcatastrophes3754]

One of the best silent films!

[@FFXI_Addict]

I enjoy The Nerd, but this kind of genuine, honest, heart-felt and informatively-educated work is why I love you so much. Never even heard of this movie, but now I want to see it and already enjoy it based on what you've presented here.

[@commissarsturm]

100 years later and STILL one of the best horror films. I was always intrigued with the Expressionist warping of reality. Now I need to back-to-back this with Carnival of Souls and Nosferatu. Rock on! Thanks for keeping the original horrors alive with information for all to enjoy.

[@williambillbillywill]

That's insane. We've essentially been watching the same movie for 100 years!

[@msfondue]

I remember renting this movie on DVD from the library many years ago. I loved it. The atmosphere and story was so striking to me. I'll definitely have to pick up the new restored version!

[@alb5338]

Back when I was younger, I remember seeing still photos of the surrealistic sets of this film in books and being entranced by the abstract checkerboard rooms and line filled hallways. Thanks to KZbin, I can finally see this 100-year-old masterpiece. Thanks for spreading the word and increasing my interest in this film!

[@RustyCoyoteA]

Thank you so much for covering such an iconic movie. It’s so ahead of its time and just oozes personality. There are so many well executed details and design choices that are still being used to this day.

[@TheDruboni]

never been this early to a video

[@vixity6785]

Same here

[@SnoozeYaLose]

same

[@alfonsocovarrubias1513]

I used to live near "Caligariplatz" in Berlin. It was noted that the scenery was filmed there

[@GiantPots]

There used to be an amusement park in Berlin in the 1920s called Luna Park that had a section built of crooked houses like the Caligari set and I've always wondered if they moved the movie sets there as an attraction

[@k4rec4]

@@GiantPots Sooo... You went to that park? Are you a vampire?

[@stephens4175]

I love your in-depth analysis of classic films, it keeps them alive for later generations and puts them at the forefront of everyone's mind again. Awesome work.

[@wolfgangernst8569]

Thank you James for bringing this movie to a bigger audience. As a german I am happy that you mention these old german classics. One of my favorite movies from the silent area is "Die Nibelungen" from 1924. If you haven't seen the film yet, please do it. I think you will like it. I think that the Video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers Song "Otherside" was inspired from Caligari as well. And for all who wonder what is on the poster at 10:02. It says: 5 fingers has the hand, with 5 fingers you grab the enemy, choose list 5 - communist party

[@mars9746]

Never knew about this film. I’ll definitely check it out

[@smithwesson1896]

100 years of Monster Madness

[@sgt.rudolf3811]

James ... thanks for the video , I apreciate your directorial spirit and your thirst of knowledge!

[@armandomoreno6033]

Favorite type of video from you, don't ever stop with these classic gems.

[@MarioMadness1]

"German Expressionism" has brought some of the best films and deff inspired people like Tim Burton

[@rocketbeastwolf]

James Whale was inspired by this movie also because if you watch Frankenstein it had some inspiration from this movie

[@FriendshipandPonies]

This is such an interesting movie, I had no idea about the whole history of this movie, and how the film changed as its been re-released. I have to watch this tonight.

[@Daelaron]

I must say that I really like these kinds of videos the absolute most. Just you doing a monologue. Also kind of hypnotizing. Never stop making them and I'll never stop watching :)

[@flashbackodskanka]

It's wild to see art like this that's a century old! What's really cool is that film school probably wasn't a thing or wasn't that advanced back in those days and the framing of the movie was experimental. Little did they know how far ahead of their time. Glad you showed a gem like this, great video!

[@pasi8800]

James, you are the person that's expending my knowledge in movies so much and I'm forever thankful you are doing this videos!

[@DawnOfTheOzz]

Hard to believe it's been 100 years since this film came out.

[@zenithquasar9623]

I hadn't seen this film, but even with these kinds of twists being common now, it made me shiver! Brilliantly shot! Thank you so much again James, this content is gold!

[@LULZLSKennedy]

Please never stop doing these. This was captivating, I'm definitely planning on watching this!!!

[@philipchurch8772]

Hearing James talk like this makes me wish he had made more than just the AVGN movie.

[@Tracks777]

amazing content

[@jaysonjensen6257]

I only really discovered you about 6 months ago so I had a lot of catching up to do. Your AVGN stuff is hilarious but also informative. This is incredible. I couldn't agree more with your observations. Great stuff mate.

[@LichCrypt]

My experience with this movie is almost like a recurring dream that you remember a little bit better every time you wake up, having watched the low quality releases when I was very young and getting to experience a better cut each time I saw it again.

[@sersoft_corp]

The actor's makeup and the crooked architecture in this movie really reminds me of the music video to Red hot chili peppers, Otherside.

[@half-assedcraftswithbigmik4301]

I am pretty sure that is intentional from the director of "Otherside".

[@beesechurger2562]

I never thought silent films would be so easy to follow without speech, but if you give them a chance they actually are. It’s a lot different and it’s not for everybody but it’s very interesting and somewhat hypnotizing.

[@joelpaprocki85]

Bravo! Great video! So great to see/ hear your knowledge on display James!

[@Faisalomusic]

Best reviewer on KZbin, if ever! You have a way of putting the viewer in the mood of what you are reviewing, which makes me want to watch all the movies you review, including the bad but good kind from monster madness. Thank you!

[@matwar5000]

this movie was also the direct inspiration for one of Rob Zombie's best (and my favourite) music videos. Living Dead girl

[@CoolGobyFish]

I would say the zombie music video is more of a rip off of this movie

[@Mcrclerk]

Rob is awesome.

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

I'm gonna open up a seafood restaurant and call it "the crab-net of doctor Calamari"....okay, I got that from "mystery incorporated". if you're gonna steal, steal from the best! lol

[@BeautifulMutant]

Perfect thing to call a restaurant in the Scooby-Doo universe.

[@bryansansone3301]

As a long-time fan, this is perhaps my favorite review thus far. Love the connections you made toward the end, some of which were new to me.

[@sweetpeachnectar]

i remember how i was completely caught off guard when i realized the plot twist. this is an amazing feature for such an old movie. instant favorite.

[@honey_bee65]

I love Conrad Veidt ❤️ My husband and I dressed up as Cesare and Dr. Caligari for Halloween a few years back. I think I made a rather cute somnambulist 😁 It's unfortunate that most people only know him from Casablanca.

[@bobina05]

I immediately had a crush on him while watching this in my late teens/early twenties.

[@CLM1987]

The inspiration for the Joker for his portrayal in The Man who Laughs, highly underrated silent movie actor and horror icon

[@sheepinlemontrousers]

James I would love to hear your thoughts on Die Nibelungen by Fritz Lang, another extremely influential film from the silent era, but in the fantasy genre.

[@ivanxnerd]

Great review! Thanks, James.

[@bashcrash9148]

I learned so much from this video. Thank you James & The Crew!

[@ryansanico6539]

100 years nice I ❤ watching classic movies like James Bond, three Stogies,Classic Star Trek. James you should do the 100,or 200year Scifi movies

[@gmirkoi5067]

why would someone dislike this

[@erichquinones598]

Because the internet

[@gmirkoi5067]

@@erichquinones598 the Internet is a jerk

[@mattypow82]

Another great episode, thanks again guys!!

[@grimTales1]

Fantastic video, loved this! Thank you James!

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

Pains me how every person involved in this movie have passed by now

[@Lilbroda]

they all been dead for over 50 years cmon

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

@@Lilbroda so? I still could feel a pity because every year that goes by those involved with literal history die I feel the same way about films like king kong and the thing from another world and I'll feel the same way about 70s and 80s actors because they have left a similar impact

[@spindalis79]

@@Lilbroda Lil Dagover, the woman who played Jane died in late 1980 at age 92.

[@Bazooka_Sharks]

Been watching james reviews all day...then this pops up. Noice.

[@RetroDeath]

These are the movie videos of yours I love most; just you, calm, reflected, and in depth.

[@OskyPinamar]

James, yo definetly know your shit. Thank you so much for the talk, you got me interested in so many things now! It's a pleasure to listen to you.