I was a little hesitant to check this one out when I got this screener in the mail, I saw the original so long ago and although I can’t say I remember it shot for shot, I know that it was a film I really enjoyed. The original Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a cult hit from the past. So the thought of a remake or re-imaging of the film kind of made my stomach, because the way remakes have been as of late, and the film being a remake of a major classic; this film had a lot to prove. Well, yes! this re-imaging although a bit different is very similar and pays a lot of respect to to the original film.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is about a weird doctor whom travels with a sideshow circus. In his part of the side show he has what to referred to as a mysterious somnambulist Cesare whom reads fortunes for the crowd. Two good friends Francis and Alan enter the doctors tent where Alan is told by the somnambulist that he only has one day to live, sure enough the next day Alan is stabbed. Francis is left, along with his unstable fiancée Jane to find out why his friend was killed, and it will take them both into the mind of a mad man to learn the truth.
Upon doing some research I found out that director David Lee Fisher digital scanned the backgrounds from the original film and then inserted the shots of his actors into each backdrop and had them act out the scenes from the original film except he added the element of dialogue and sound. The film is still shot in Black and White, but it has more of a clean digital look to it than a grainy film look. I’m not one to say that films of the latter days should be messed with, but this re-imaging is an exception, as it pays respect to the original, but gives it a more up to date appeal to the audiences of today, while preserving the look of the original. The movie is also being compared to that of David Lynch’s Eraserhead, in terms of style and appeal. This also stands true, as I myself also noticed the similarities between the two films.
The direction in this film is brilliant, you can tell that Fisher really respects the original 1919 classic, and he was able to bring the film into a whole new light. The acting in the film is decent but at times a bit shaky. One might notice however that Doug Jones of Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth fame plays the part of Cesare, and his performance shines in this film. Neil Hopkins performance is also a notable one.
In terms of effects one can’t help but point out how cool and neat the digital backgrounds look. As I stated above a lot of them are from the original film digitally re-mastered and inserted with new footage. But they look brilliant, and it’s the notable work in post production that is the true winner here. There is really not much in terms of blood or guts like you would expect to see in the modern day horror film, however this is not a modern day horror film, it’s more of an homage to the past. Everything from the costumes to the actors make-up resembles the silent film era, with a touch of German expressionism and film noir.
Overall, I don’t think this film will be a big hit with the modern day horror fan, but those of us who love and respect the classics, will have to admit for a remake of a classic this is probably one of the most respectful pieces. It’s still not the same as the classic Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, but it’s respectful to it. Which is the reason why I gave it a good review. Well worth checking out and making the judgment for yourself. I for one found it to be a great achievement in paying homage to the horror of old.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
