The Golden Age of German Cinema (1918-1933)

Course Description 

Never before or again has German film and cinema culture been as vivid and cutting-edge, liberating and socially engaged, experimental, commercially successful and internationally renowned as in the years between 1918 and 1933. The revolution of 1918 and the creation of the first German republic inspired writers and artists, film makers and producers, many of the them Jewish, to try something entirely new. This outburst of creativity ended abruptly in 1933 when the Nazis violently destroyed the democratic state and erected a dictatorship. A hundred years on, what do films from the Golden Age of German Cinema still tell us? Why is it worth studying these old ‘Classics’? How can they enrich our view of history, the arts, political debate? And how do they create knowledge, controversy, excitement?

This course centers on close readings of ‘canonical’ works, including examples of popular, avantgarde and documentary filmmaking. For instance, we will study early monster films, psychological thrillers and political propaganda, the invention of the ‘unchained camera’ and modern editing techniques, the creative use of sound and music, stardom and the appearance of the New Woman on screen.

The course introduces students to fundamental elements of film and film analysis; it fosters a critical understanding of how film functions both as entertainment and as an art form; it explores the developments within German film in light of specific historical and cultural frameworks. The course assumes no prior knowledge of German, German films, or film theory in general. It is taught in English and all sound-films have English subtitles.

Please note: Students will watch each film individually before class, e.g. on the internet, or via specially arranged viewing sessions on campus.