Influence of German Expressionism around the world

Even though German Expressionism came to an end, the influence in the films continued to grow throughout the world. With the advent of modern technology and advanced lighting system it is difficult to track the German Expressionism in the modern films. However, some of the remarkable films that have hugely influenced films are many.

Some of the ever remembered Dracula/Vampire genre based films that used Expressionism in most parts of the films. Some of the films here on Dracula and Van Helsing taken by characters of different name narrate the story of how the menacing and ever feared Dracula is killed by Van Helsing. The thing to be noted in the list of these films is that menacing, seductive, charming, scary Draculas (Villain) and a normal husband or priest or commoner who appears as a victim of Dracula’s doings and with given knowledge takes the role of Van Helsing and tries to put an end to the chaos created by the Dracula.

1. The Horror of Dracula (1958)
2. Dracula – Prince of Darkness (1966)
3. Black Sunday (1960)
4. The Brides of Dracula (1960)
5. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)

There are few modern animation and non animated films that have used Expressionism as a medium to transfer the psychological state of the character to the audience using high contrasts of light and shadows to display the dramatic emotions, in which it can be considered that Director Tim Burton has used the concept of expressionism in his stop motion animation films.

The list of Tim Burton’s expressionist movies

1. Frankenweenie (2012)
2. Corpse Bride (2005)
3. Vincent (1982)
4. The Night before the Christmas (1993)

The list of his non animated films that used expressionism is as follows

1. Batman Series
2. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
4. Beetlejuice (1988)
5. Dark Shadows (2012)
6. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Some of the other popular films that made way to Expressionism are as follows

1. Psycho (1960)
2. The Lodger (1927)
3. The Exorcist Series
4. Insidious (2011)

The influence of German Expressionism with Film Noir gave way to artistic and creative genre of films like

1. RoboCop
2. Blade Runner
3. The Matrix Series

And other expressionism inspired horror films that didn’t need any extra special effects or lights and sounds to create a spine-chilling or an emotionally uprising film to evoke the thrill of watching the excellent expressionist influenced film among the audience.