The features of expressionism can be summarised as follows:
the primary attribute is one of distortion, often of perspectives and angles, in an attempt to place emotions over a view of the external world.
the use of bold colours (though this was obviously not an option for filmmakers, until the introduction of colour film stock in the late 1930s) and contrasts.
the backdrops are expressive.
the subject matter of the art was often dark with a horrific element, particularly after the traumatic experience of the First World War had an influence on the second wave of expressionist artists.
Expressionism seeks to transform nature rather than imitate it, in hopes of showing a reality in process of transformation.
Expressionist Art, Film, and Theater reflected each other in showing similar themes and communicating similar visions.
 
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scream kirchner_redtower1915
Munch, The Scream Kokoschka, Two Nudes (Lovers) Kirchner, Red Tower Kirchner, Reclining Nude
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Sculpture by Belling The robot Canvas for production design of Metropolism by Kettlehut Drawing for Metropolis
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Still from Metropolis Poster for Machinal Music for Machina Set design for Machinal
 
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Set design for Machinal Set design for Machinal   Set design for Machinal

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM

Prof. Lori Landay