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Movies / On DVD / The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919)

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Reviews Counted:32

Fresh:32

Rotten:0

Average Rating:8.9/10

Consensus: This German Expressionist masterpiece makes great use of its chilling premise and stylized set design.

Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins

Genre: Horror/Suspense

Synopsis: In this silent, classic example of early German expressionism, this cinematic landmark relates the stylized tale of a Dr. Caligari, a fairground showman who hypnotizes an innocent villager--turning... In this silent, classic example of early German expressionism, this cinematic landmark relates the stylized tale of a Dr. Caligari, a fairground showman who hypnotizes an innocent villager--turning him into a sleepwalking "zombie"--and compels him to carry out fiendish murders. Inarguably a landmark in world cinema, Robert Weine's one-of-a-kind thriller features fantastical, heavily stylized sets, antirealist acting, and evocative subjective camerawork. [More]

Starring: Conrad Veidt, Werner Krauss

Starring: Conrad Veidt, Werner Krauss

Director: Robert Wiene

Director: Robert Wiene

[See More Credits]

Reviews for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

  • T-Meter Critics
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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and inspired horror movies ever made.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
02/09/06
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It is difficult to imagine the film done better with the benefit of sound, colour, or any innovation since.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
04/17/01
BBC
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

still creepy good entertainment on a rainy day

Full Review Source: Cinema Writer | comment Comment
08/31/09
Jay Antani
Jay Antani
Cinema Writer

A classic. Visually stunning and more experimental than anything coming out today.

comment Comment
01/17/08
Beth Accomando
Beth Accomando
KPBS.org

The influence of Robert Wiene's Caligari is so great that it threatens to obscure the work itself.

Full Review Source: Projection Booth | comment Comment
10/24/07
Rob Humanick
Rob Humanick
Projection Booth

A seminal horror movie, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was hailed upon its initial release as the first film to elevate the cinema from the realm of popular entertainment to that of high art.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
08/13/07
TV Guide's Movie Guide
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

This is more than just a textbook classic; the narrative frame creates ambiguities that hold certain elements of the story in disturbing suspension. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
08/13/07
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader

One of those rare, amazing technical accomplishments that also succeeds as art.

Full Review Source: Film Journal International | comment Comment
03/01/07
Frank Lovece
Frank Lovece
Film Journal International

No review available.

comment Comment
03/09/06
Jake Euker
Jake Euker
F5 (Wichita, KS)

No review available.

comment Comment
11/07/05
Cole Smithey
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

comment Comment
07/22/05
Thomas Delapa
Thomas Delapa
Boulder Weekly

No review available.

comment Comment
06/17/05
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

Wiene's expressionistic masterpiece is required viewing for lovers of the gothic and the weird.

comment Comment
02/02/05
Rob Vaux
Rob Vaux
Flipside Movie Emporium

No review available.

comment 1 Comment
11/18/04
Mark R. Leeper
Mark R. Leeper
rec.arts.movies.reviews

A landmark of Expressionist cinema and contains many dazzling set pieces.

Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid | comment Comment
11/01/04
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid

No review available.

comment Comment
03/28/04
Frank Swietek
Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion

No review available.

comment Comment
03/24/04
Jon Niccum
Jon Niccum
Lawrence Journal-World

No review available.

comment Comment
01/23/04
Carol Cling
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal

well crafted mystery thriller that is far more satisfying than most modern Hollywood formula fare

Full Review Source: Old School Reviews | comment Comment
01/23/04
John A. Nesbit
John A. Nesbit
Old School Reviews

Groundbreaking, but less a good film than a good idea for one.

comment Comment
09/18/03
Ken Hanke
Ken Hanke
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 >> >|
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