The Cultural Significance Found in German Expressionism

Abstract

German Expressionism gained popularity in the 1920s and early 1930s. The films within this movement explored the depths and complexity of the human subconscious. These films also reflected the uniquely Germanic cultural mindset by using recurring character tropes. This paper analyzes six films in their original forms, ranging from the beginning of the movement in the 1920s to the end in the early 1930s. All secondary sources used are dated after the year 2000. The paper includes a summary of each film, along with an emphasis on the similarities and differences found for each archetype. I argue that the monsters repeatedly shown are the symbolic representations of the protagonist’s sexual repressions. I also argue that the female victim was used as a call for a return to chastity. Later in the movement, each role becomes more ambiguous, as the lines between them blur. This adds a level of complexity not seen in the earlier films.