Arnon Grunberg

1920

Medicine

Tonight, I saw a restored version of the movie "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" a silent movie from 1920, directed by Robert Wiene. A DJ provided live music.
There are many interpretations possible. As my friend, who had invited me to this screening, pointed out to me: "It all takes place in an asylum. There's no world outside the asylum."
The difference between the patients and the qualified practitioners of medicine is unclear. In so far "The Cabinet of Dr. Calgari" is a horror movie, the horror is the result of the blurred distinctions between hallucination and reality.
"Du musst Caligari werden!" ("You must become Caligari) is what the main character in one of his hallucinations - or is it a hallucination? - hears.
But who is Caligari? What does it mean that you should become Caligari? I would say that it means that you admit to your own insanity. Or perhaps that you admit that you aspire to something more than a petty life. This ambition often borders on insanity and criminality.

discuss on facebook, 3 comments