I love movies. Obviously. I love movies of all kinds, all shapes and sizes, but silent movies have a very special place in my heart. I even made one. Charlie Chaplin embodied everything that was right with humanity (see: his speech at the end of The Great Dictator). His movies are incredible. But, with the exception of him, the absolute best silent films were made in Germany. Fritz Lang's Metropolis is an absolute masterpiece of production. F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu is still genuinely frightening, and his film Sunrise is, in my opinion, one of the best love stories ever put to film.
We are here today to talk about Robert Wiene's 1919 thriller The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The film tells the story of Francis, who meets the titular Dr. Caligari at a carnival where he displays his somnambulist Cesare. When a murderous prophecy by Cesare is fulfilled, Francis begins to look deeper into the good doctor, who in turn turns his attentions upon Francis, and his fiance, Jane.
It's a fantastic film, dark and exciting, and is credited with the first instance of twist ending in film.
Tonight, Tuesday, Decca presents a free screening of the film at 8:00. Sweetening the deal, the musical score for the film will be performed live by pianist and composer Low Hale, who will be improvising the score. (He is only allowing himself to view the film twice to get an idea for its mood, but in order to also preserve spontaneity.)
Decca is located at 812 E. Market Street. Further details can be found at the Facebook event page.
(For further thought: Seriously, watch F.W. Murnau's Sunrise.)
Image: Internet Movie Database
