Written by Isis Hollis
This past Saturday, LEAP students and alumni got the chance to visit the River Oaks Theatre once again to watch what is considered to be the first horror movie/film ever produced! The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a German expressionism silent film released in 1920, was alongside the band Invincible Czars, who wrote their own score to accompany the film.
After some remarks from River Oaks Artistic Manager Robert Saucedo, Bandleader Josh Robins provided some background, and then Stefan Del Bosque introduced the band members and the history of the film With the background established, the showing started.
The set of the movie, with its geometric shapes and gothic feel, reminded me a lot of Tim Burton, who was said to have taken much inspiration from the film.
I enjoyed the unique style of captions and intertitles that had small easter eggs relating to what was happening at that time of the film, such as the cross at the end of the caption explaining the scene following the funeral of one of the characters. The score added to the mysterious storyline by changing the rhythm and sound of each instrument, which was another element I really enjoyed throughout the movie! The ending was one of the most interesting parts as it left room for two different interpretations.
A short discussion once the movie ended revealed the context for many of the choices made for the film such as the somnambulist, Cesar, being a symbol of Germany’s military population being “asleep” after WWI.
We also had the chance to talk with the members of the band and get our posters signed following the film! Overall, the event was fun and a new experience for many of us who attended!
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