Assignment # 4 Expressionism: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

Quote

"The modern man has become alienated and estranged from himself within consumer-oriented industrial society and called for a rebirth of enlightenment that allows each person to fulfil his needs while maintaining bonds of social fraternity."
Fromm, Erich (1900-1980)

     Erich Fromm was a German born psychoanalyst and social philosopher who explored the interaction between psychology and society with the principles of Sigmund Freud. Fromm believed social problems had major psychological effects on human beigns, but he also believed both psychological and social needs of all individual must be met in order to build a stable and healthy society. Fromm and his ideas were viewed by many as controversial yet influential. He used psychoanalytic techniques to predict and chart the growth of human freedom and self awareness from the middle ages to modern times. Fromm analyzed that changes in society and individual insecurities can often result in totalitarian movements such as Nazism when there is no balance among psychological factors and social needs.
     Modern day society is presently struggling with the imbalance of psychological and social problems. Living in a diverse society of mass culture it is almost impossible to address the psychological and social problems of each group. Some of the psychological and social problems of society include: increased diagnosis of mental illness, increase criminal activities, addiction, social injustice, war, hostility, lack of corporation, social injustice, public health, unemployment, eviornmental pollution, child protection and welfare, abortion, partner violence, divorce, and social injustice.
     At the same time attempting to resolve social and psychological problems among diverse groups in today's society is almost impossible. Cultural practices and beliefs are often influential in the resolution of social and psychological problems; making it difficult for outsiders to intervene, however all desire a healthy and stable enviornment to life in. Social and psychological isssues for each group varies, therefore the issues should be specific and presented in a language they are familiar with.
     Finally, I do believe and agree with Fromm's theory as the imbalance of psychological factors and social issues are seen daily on the streets. The imbalance is exhibited through homelessness, an increase of individuals with mental illness, increase violence, out breaks of protest and war, divorce and custody battles, unemployment, addiction, and social injustice. I believe his predictions about man becoming alienated and estranged from himself will continue as each individual attempt to filfil his needs and maintain a bond of social fraternity.

Glossary of People: Fr http://www.marxists.org/glossary/people/f/r.htm#fromm-erich

The Frankfurt School: http://www.marxists.org/subject/frankfurt-school/


1. How does Dr. Caligari symbolize authority?

Dr. Caligari symbolize's authority through his use of shadow, light, and strange distorted shapes to create a dramatic effect. He represented a foriegn element invading the fair ground and creating chaos. His role was also compared to the kind of leadership Hitler exhibited during his reign.

2. How does the profit motive affect cultural production in the modern age?

The effects of profit motive on cultural production in today's society address the surprise ending of a film, how the messages are transformed, and the fact that the audience receives the message as it was intended. Shadows used in modern day films are now computered generated and are no longer hand painted.

3. Why does Kracauer interpret the film as a choice between tyranny and chaos?

Kracauer was a new generation Marxist member that embraced culture over economy and embraced the desire for a balance of both. Tyranny in Dr. Caligari's film was represented by the con-man and the psychiatrist and was compared to Hitlers leadership. On the other hand the film was viewed as chaotic and represented life in Germany during the 1920's and 1930's.

4. How does the film foreshadow the Nazi regime according to Kracauer?

The film foreshadows the Nazi regime through deception and chaos. The fair ground and the carnival area dates back to medieval times and highlights evil, darkness, and the evasion of a foreign element. The fair ground represents chaos and anarchy, the merry go round is a representation of many working while some are at leisure and relaxing.

5. What is Praxis and how does it relate to cultural criticism?

Praxis is the fusion of theory and practice, it is used to get responses from people and it encourages practical engagement. It represents unity among the opposing forces of technology, culture, and science and was a driving force in history for change among the bourgeoisie and the proletariat (working class). Culture was used to create social change and fight economic struggles in wining higher wages and better living conditions.