In 1919, director Robert Wiene merged modern art (German Expressionism) with mainstream entertainment (plot-driven silent cinema) to make one of the first - and still one of the greatest - psychological horror movies. Angular sets, twisted perspectives and off-centre houses convey the disturbed minds of the central characters as a student investigates a series of murders being carried out by a sleepwalking killer.
DVD Extras:
Artwork and photos, excerpts from Wiene's 1920 film Genuine, commentary.The dry commentary by cinema historian Mike Budd supplies background information to the period and the film's distinctive style, but is only accessible for those who've seen the movie more than once. Timothy Brock's creepy string score captures the mood perfectly, however, and the film is presented in the most complete version currently available. Impressive.
