Der Stummfilm

Hermann Barth examines emotional manipulation strategies in the opening sequences of G. W. Pabst's 1925 film. Ludwig Bauer reconstructs the significance of visual signs using "Menschen am Sonntag" as a case study. Herbert Birett conducts a statistical analysis of silent films, exploring the relationship between film age and style. Elfriede Ledig, with Gerhard Ullmann's assistance, discusses the symbolism of color in silent films, focusing on themes of passion and madness. Hildegard Lorenz analyzes spatial structure and film architecture in Fritz Lang's "Der müde Tod" (1921). Susanne Orosz investigates the role of intertitles in silent films, using "Der Student von Prag" (1913) as an example. Enno Patalas offers insights into a specific image from "Metropolis." Michael Schaudig discusses censorship and the preservation of "Die Ratten" (1921), while Werner Sudendorf addresses the challenges of film reconstruction versus restoration. An appendix lists silent films archived in German-speaking regions. The scholarly work is positioned alongside other notable titles in film history, and the contributions provide valuable insights, even for experts, making this previously niche area accessible to a wider audience.