ICFS and UCFS present: “Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”

In this quintessential example of German expressionistic art, a young man named Franzis tells an older one about horrible experience he and his fiancée, Jane, recently suffered. Franzis explains that it all began when he and a friend visited an exhibit at a fair where a mysterious doctor woke a seemingly comatose man from his vertical coffin-like box. From his deep trance, the zombie-like man answered questions from the audience, correctly predicting the imminent death of Franzis’s friend. Is Jane next?

The film’s set is unsurpassed in visual creativity, using unusual angles, skewed perspective and painted shadows and streaks of light to create a dark, twisted world of fascination and wonder. Returning to Proctors following their incredible performance of Peter Pan (1924), Order of the Illusive, with their soaring music and famed exotic instruments, could not be a better fit! If ever a movie was perfect for this ensemble to interpret, it is the “Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.”

This is the fourth and final event in the current “Horrors of Noir” collaboration between ICFS and Union College Film Studies, and will include a short introduction by silent film historian, Justin Knudsen. As with other ICFS events, expect prizes, surprises, a convenient bar and comfy couches. Not Rated. 75 minutes.