This essay tries to bring light into the roots of film by focusing on two main movements that have very much helped shape the techniques of contemporary film making. – German Expressionism and Formalism, both of which occurred in the 1910’s and mainly in the 1920’s.

Both these movements resulted in influential developments in film theory and a distinctive body of films that are still considered important by nowadays film makers.

Elements like economics, politics, war, aesthetics, art, literature and culture also played a big role within these movements and will also be touched on.

It all started with the Great War that crippled the people in Europe not only emotionally but also economically.

German Expressionism developed in the 1920’s during the period of recovery following World War I.

Although the German film industry was booming, filmmakers found it difficult to create movies because of the hard economic times and because of the big competition with Hollywood.

The debacle of World War I and the rise of the Fascist governments in Italy and Germany that sha

Some topics in this essay:
Film Acting, Dziga Vertov, Dr Caligari, Especially Potemkin, Jean-Luc Godard, Italy Germany, Expressionism Formalism, Cat Canary, German UFA, Odessa Steps, soviet cinema, film theory, 1920’s period, german expressionism, theory filmcharacter growth, close ups, scenery light, placement scenery, german film, control placement, world war, filmcharacter growth art, artistic control placement, shadow enhance mood, light shadow enhance,