German Film Series

Join us for an introductory lecture about the Weimar film era on Wednesday August 28th at 6 pm at the German American Heritage Center and Museum

The German American Heritage Center and Museum and The Last Picture House are happy to bring a series of cult classic German films to the big screen. 

Tickets are $15 per film and may be purchased online or at the door. Want to see all 5? Purchase a ticket package for all 5 films for $60. Ticket sales include a medium popcorn from the Last Picture House. All films begin at 6:00 pm.

Film Schedule
*Subject to change

September 4th Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
September 11th Nosferatu
September 18th Metropolis
September 25th The Blue Angel
October 2nd M

Discover and enjoy the screenings of some of film's greatest contributions. The Weimar era of German Expressionist filmmaking, (1919 to the early 1930s), stands as a formative period in film history. This era produced a distinctive style characterized by stark contrasts, dramatic shadows, and fantastical sets that conveyed the emotional and psychological turmoil of post-World War I Germany.

German Expressionist films were groundbreaking in their use of mise-en-scène to depict the inner experiences of characters. This approach diverged from the realism that dominated early cinema, instead emphasizing distorted perspectives, exaggerated angles, and surreal landscapes. Films like "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920) and "Nosferatu" (1922) exemplify these techniques, using visual distortion to create a sense of unease and highlight themes of madness and horror.

The influence of German Expressionism extended far beyond its national borders, profoundly affecting the development of various genres, particularly horror and film noir. Its legacy can be seen in the works of filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Tim Burton, who adopted and adapted Expressionist techniques to craft their own unique visual styles.

The Weimar era's innovative approach to storytelling and visual composition laid the groundwork for modern cinematic techniques. The movement's emphasis on the psychological and emotional aspects of characters prefigured later developments in psychological thrillers and character-driven narratives. In essence, German Expressionist filmmaking not only provided a mirror to the chaotic and often dark times of its inception but also paved the way for future explorations into the depths of human experience and the art of visual storytelling.