Dr. Caligari

4 Pages 949 Words

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a bizarre tale, with so many twists and turns that one may watch it a thousand times and still have different opinions concerning the analysis of the uncanny events. This strange tale of mind control, murder, and insanity is actually unfolded through the eyes of a man who is “considered” to be crazy; a twist that the audience does not learn until the end of the film. This fact is the most significant when trying to determine the truth from the ranting of a lunatic. The search for the real version of the truth has begun.
The narrative begins with Francis, the storyteller, introducing the Alan, and more importantly, Dr. Caligari and his Somnambulist. When told through the eyes of Francis, Dr. Caligari appears to be murderous and plotting villain. Through the use of mind control, Dr. Caligari apparently is responsible for using Cesare, the Somnambulist, to carry out his revenge (murder) on a clerk that was rude to him. Next, during a visit to the Somnambulist, Francis’ best friend, Alan, is told that he has until sunrise to live. We then learn that Alan and Francis are in love with the same woman, Jane, but have decided to let her chooses her lover; they also agree to remind friends regardless of the outcome of the decision.
That very night, Alan is murdered. Francis is distraught, and works with the police to find the killer; Dr. Caligari, once again, is alluded to being the mastermind, and Cesare his puppet. Then, to finalize the guilt, Cesare is shown ready to kill Jane. However, he spares her life, but dies in a field while fleeing from the townspeople. Now, the icing is on the cake. Clearly, Dr. Caligari is responsible for the murders. However, he cleverly escapes, but Francis is hot on his trail. He searches the mental institution, and yet another twist is added: the head director of the asylum is Dr. Caligari! Francis has the police put Dr. Caligari in a straight jacket, and ...