Genuine

The German Expression movement was an unique art form that started after World War I. It helped launch the careers of F.W. Murnau, Robert Wiene and Fritz Lang; just to name a few. It focused more on artistic expression, concentrating on surreal or dream like atmospheres with painted, jagged, and un-even set designs opposed to trying to keep things realistic and down to earth. It's main purpose was to keep you in a fantasy world. This art form was one of the first things I was introduced to when I started to gain interest in silent films. Sadly though it died out with the decline of the silent movie era. Also with today's audience, everybody seems to be more interested in real world events and want their films to be like wise. People forget that film in it's self is an art form and people making them should have more freedom. Here's an example: If film makers during the depression made movies about the depression it would have been horrible. Audiences back then wanted to escape from reality and have a good time. It seems like today everybody is afraid to use their imagination and that is what made me appreciate German Expression even more.

The year is 1920 and after Robert  Wiene's "Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" set the standard for expressionism he made a film entitled: "Genuine: A tale of a Vampire" (different restorations have a different sub-title). Just as surreal and nightmarish as Caligari, it starred Fern Andra as the title character Genuine. A woman who belonged to a tribe but do to a war she was captured and was turned into a slave. During this process she developed a savage and mean hearted persona. She is then sold to an old man who walks in a very Nosferatu like manner. The old man keeps her confined in an elaborate bedroom forbidding her to explore the rest of the house. It's uncertain why the old man keeps her. The film doesn't describe their relationship, so it's up to the viewer to make their own judgment. The town's people get suspicious about the house and order the old man's barber to testify before a judge about the going's on at the house. So the barber's nephew takes his place. Soon after the woman escapes from her room and confronts the nephew and tells him to kill the old man. He does and he soon finds himself falling in love with the woman. While in her room she tells him to commit suicide, saying that it would be a great expression of his love for her. To make sure she sends a servant to go with him. The movie gets more interesting when the old man's grandson comes and visits. Soon enough the same thing happens to the grandson. Through out the film the woman becomes more vile and crazy. An interesting movie with plenty of twists and great atmosphere to keep you involved.

To note: There's several versions of this film: The Full length version which I just described and also a shorter version around three minutes which can be found on the special features section on the "Caligari" DVD.