Stranger on the 3rd Floor says,
Here’s what [German] Wikipedia has to say about Reinert’s depiction of a “nervous epidemic” sweeping the nation ...:Cambridge closes by saying, "Robert Reinert's largely unknown Nerven is notable for its role in recording the frenzy of illness following the First World War."
“Nerven opened in Munich in 1919. People were hospitalized after watching the movie and one woman, after seeing it, woke up one night, went out on the street in her nightshirt and screamed ‘Now I am going to die! Now I am going to die!’ About Nerven, one recent critic wrote ‘Nerven is a disorienting, highly experimental work. Released in 1919, before The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (early 1920), it might have become a prototype of German Expressionist cinema if it had been widely seen.’
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wow interesting movie but not for me-Happy Friday Kathy
ReplyDeleteI liked it for the historical interest -an early film and its effect on viewers within that historical post-WW1 context.
DeleteMovies can impact us all on such different levels. In one of my film study courses, we talked about how movies become "anthems" for a generation (I think we might even use the work cult films). Nervous epidemic might be a good explanation right now for some TV news shows! (IMO).
ReplyDeleteWe're so much more used to film (including tv) now. I think the effects of early films on audiences were greater then because of that. Cult films of a period are a great way to get a real feel for the times, aren't they!
DeleteThe film sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes, especially knowing the history.
DeleteI tried. Not for me. But interesting that people were so effected by it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat was actually the most interesting part, knowing how notorious it was.
DeleteI want to thank you for stopping by yesterday. Nothing is broken, but I’m so sore I can’t sit and type with one hand for any length of time. I am sending this generic message because I want you to know I stopped by, appreciate you, and read your post today. Thanks for understanding.
ReplyDeletePoor thing :( You don't have to have anything broken to feel too sore to move for days afterwards :( I hope you're back up to snuff soon.
DeleteSounds so compelling! I agree early films had a powerful impact on their audiences as they had never seen the like before, whereas the concept of film is so commonplace now 😁. Wishing you a happy weekend! Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDeleteIt was so hard on people during and after that war, and it seems this film met people exactly where they were in their trauma.
DeleteSounds rather scary. Thanks for sharing, Valerie
ReplyDeleteIt must've been for them then. Horrifying :(
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