First Paper - A scene analysis of Cesare’s awakening PDF

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Uddfors 1 A scene analysis of Cesare’s awakening The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari by Robert Wiene In The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Robert Wiene cleverly uses mise-en-scene and cinematography to add to the eeriness and originality in the scene of Cesare’s awakening. The scene is important to the overall film because it instills the viewer to believe that there will be a connoting between Cesare and Alan. The purpose can be seen in the reverse shot sequence at the end of the scene in the dialogue “How long do I have to live?” – “Till dawn tomorrow.” The scene is based highly on use of expressionistic credit design and stylization of acting through exaggerations. Through the theatrical design set, Robert Wiene builds tension and drama to the scene and draws the views attention to the constructed nature of the film. The awakening scene in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is filmed in a theatrical manner, where the set is on a stage, with distorted curtains and secretive shadows. The scene is carefully centered in the middle to make the viewer less distracted of movement within the frame. The stage curtains work in favor of the framing and like the clever set; the costume and makeup fit the bizarre arrangement and design of the scene. The men in the audience are all dressed in gloomy and flowing long cloaks. To accentuate Cesare’s tall and lanky figure he is dressed in a fitting black leotard and his dark character is obscure in darkness. His dead-like face is covered thickly in heavy make-up and his expression is as a warning to the viewer. Caligari, on the other hand, has an eccentric look with crazy white hair and glasses. When looking at the understanding of the inner frame in the scene, Cesare's expressive actions contribute significantly. The state of trance is revealed by his sleek figure and androgynous appearance in contrast to the other characters that are moving unusually quickly. By repeated close-ups of Cesare’s hypnotic expression and tranquil figure forces the viewer to identify with him and allows us to understand that he is restrained to react only from Dr. Caligari’s commands. Cesare is shot from a high angle ushering the viewer to join into his

Uddfors 2 shocking state. The close-up of Cesare’s exaggerated dark eyes, pallid complexion and drawnout awakening to wide-eyed look is somewhat frightening, partially because it is one of the longest close-ups in the scene. The specific use of light and shadows helps the viewer to grasp the inner world of the scene and its characters by building the right tension towards the awakening. The lightning appears to be sharp and intense in the scene to disclose sinister feelings and intentions of Cesare. To challenge the use of light the design set suggests a virginal and articulates vulnerability. This set it unaware of impending danger and conflicts with the sharp and angular light of Cesare’s figure emerging from the shadows of the cabinet. In terms of cinematography, the camera work makes a contribution to the emotions and drama of the scene. The particular shot sizes are quite similar to one another and Wiene repeatedly uses medium long shots in the scene. This allows the viewer to fully see the surrounding design set and requires us to study the whole frame shot. Although the camera is not moving in the scene, Wiene built a dramatic impression by cuts pacing back and forth during the awakening. The low shot oblique and specific camera angle looking at Cesar’s fearful face after waking up is very fearful and cautions the viewer. The pace is also one of the interesting editing effects in the scene as it is used to illustrate drama; each shot has a significant level of importance although the shots are short in length. The climax and tension of the awakening scene are achieved with prompt closeups of Cesare’s face. By looking at the cinematography, the mise-en-scene and the editing technics of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari the viewer can identify the scene’s significance to the overall plot. Cesare’s motions and expressions indicate the tension and frightfulness in combination with Caligari's reign over Cesare. With the theatrical set design of the scene and through Cesare's actions the viewer becomes aware of the unique constructed nature of the film and leaves an uneasiness and mysterious sensation....