German Expressionism and Tim Burton
German Expressionism and Tim Burton
Tim Burton's films have often been noted as modern day forms of German expressionism (the creative movement in Germany before World War I). It is through such things as sets, themes, makeup and costuming, lighting and shadows, acting techniques, and character that we can see Burton has been widely influenced by films of the era. The notable director's films Edward Scissorhands (1990), Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), all draw parallels to expressionist films of the era and the characteristics these films feature. Burton's expressionist style films are predominantly similar to that of Robert Weine's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu (1922), and Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1927).
German expressionism was first seen in famous artworks such as The Scream by Edvard Munch (1893), and continued to spread into other areas such as architecture, theatre and finally, film. During this era, the public went to cinemas in order to detach themselves from the harsh realities of everyday life, thus German expressionist films began to burgeon. These types of films with their stylistic, surrealist themes were distinct and unique, putting Germany on the map as one of the first international film successes.
Set design is a predominant feature of German expressionist films, making them easily distinguishable from other films during the period. Tim Burton's film sets are heavily influenced by this style as seen in Edward Scissor Hands, where the expressionist theme of alienation is visually explored through the juxtaposition of the candy coloured suburb and Edward's gothic castle. The animated sets of Nightmare Before Christmas show twisted, curling hills near the cemetery, tilted buildings and pillars in the town centre and other distorted architectural features, in keeping with the expressionist themes. These relates specifically to scenes from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,
Tim Burton's films have often been noted as modern day forms of German expressionism (the creative movement in Germany before World War I). It is through such things as sets, themes, makeup and costuming, lighting and shadows, acting techniques, and character that we can see Burton has been widely influenced by films of the era. The notable director's films Edward Scissorhands (1990), Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), all draw parallels to expressionist films of the era and the characteristics these films feature. Burton's expressionist style films are predominantly similar to that of Robert Weine's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu (1922), and Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1927).
German expressionism was first seen in famous artworks such as The Scream by Edvard Munch (1893), and continued to spread into other areas such as architecture, theatre and finally, film. During this era, the public went to cinemas in order to detach themselves from the harsh realities of everyday life, thus German expressionist films began to burgeon. These types of films with their stylistic, surrealist themes were distinct and unique, putting Germany on the map as one of the first international film successes.
Set design is a predominant feature of German expressionist films, making them easily distinguishable from other films during the period. Tim Burton's film sets are heavily influenced by this style as seen in Edward Scissor Hands, where the expressionist theme of alienation is visually explored through the juxtaposition of the candy coloured suburb and Edward's gothic castle. The animated sets of Nightmare Before Christmas show twisted, curling hills near the cemetery, tilted buildings and pillars in the town centre and other distorted architectural features, in keeping with the expressionist themes. These relates specifically to scenes from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,
Bibliography: FilmPhest 1999, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919), viewed 28 July 2013, <http://filmphest.com/Films/caligari.htm>. Commentary Track 2007, Film Chronology - The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), viewed 28 July 2013, <http://commentarytrack.com/2007/05/15/film-chronology-the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari-1920/>.