The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari revolutionized cinema with its striking visual style and psychological depth.

This German Expressionist classic tells the eerie tale of Francis, a young man recounting the nightmarish events that unfold in the small village of Holstenwall.

When the sinister Dr. Caligari arrives at a local fair with his mysterious somnambulist, Cesare, strange and horrifying occurrences begin to plague the town. Cesare, who allegedly can predict the future while in a trance-like state, foretells Francis's friend’s death. Soon Cesare’s prediction is proved correct and suspicion grows as more murders are committed. Francis, determined to uncover the truth behind Caligari and Cesare’s dark connection is led through a psychedelic journey.

The film’s groundbreaking use of distorted, dreamlike sets and shadowy lighting mirrors the fractured mental states of its characters. This creates an atmosphere of unease and mystery that redefined horror. Madness, authority, and reality, these are all questioned and explored through the unexpected twists and turns of this expressive film. This fully solidifies The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari as one of the most influential works in cinematic history.

Anthime Miller’s score for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari blends the eerie timbres of prepared piano, woodwinds, and mixed percussion with the emotive resonance of cello and violin. Through this esoteric combination Anthime evoke’s the film’s unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension. Its dynamic interplay of dissonance, rhythm, and texture mirrors the distorted, dreamlike visuals of the movie. And thus immersing the audience in the haunting world of German Expressionism.

Ava Avanti (viola, viola da gamba) [October 2023]

bReAd (woodwind, prepared piano)

Glenna Cureton (violin)

Anthime Miller (chef, cello, prepared piano, voice)