"The Blue Angel"

1.      Using the two films identify three major themes that you can find through both films:

In comparing both films one can observe the similarity of the themes that during the nihilism time is common in films. Both films present self destruction of an individual, infatuation with the forbidden world, and well as living a double life.

2.      Explain how the films develop these themes and what do they mean.

One of the themes that the films display is self destruction of an individual without any regards to the consequences of their own action. The films developed these themes by demonstrating how two professional individuals with very distinct careers; choose a path of complete opposite to their profession, by following their inner and dark instinct to fulfill their desires. These behaviors are developed while acting upon irrational impulses, driving the characters to a delusional state of mind and behaviors that are self destructive. This means that during this era professional individuals were not allowed to openly engage in these activities or gathering that involved the darker world.

Another theme is the infatuation with the forbidden world as well as the women in the stories. Even though these characters knew the consequences of self destruction, their obsession and drive for the darker world became more intense, causing them to lose their mental sanity. These particular themes are depicted when both male characters become infatuated with the women in the films, whether it was for love or diabolical thoughts. In the film “Dr. Caligari” the main character becomes obsesses with hurting the lady for inner satisfaction without any regards to authorities. While in “The Blue Angel” he has also become infatuated with the women but decides to make her his wife ignoring the consequences due to her choice of lifestyle.

The last theme presented in the films is the double life these characters were living. These two professional individuals were self determine to fulfill their curiosities while continuing to inquire about these underground worlds. So much were these inquiries that lead to the obsession, and self destruction that eventually took over their identities. In the “Dr.Caligari” film, this is revealed that, while the doctor was administrating the mental hospital he was also working in the town carnival in search for his new victims. In the film “The Blue Angel” the Professor while in search for his students, had become more intrigue with the cabaret lady leading to frequent visits that eventually lead to losing his job. What this means humans inner obsession has the power to overtake the rational thinking of anyone regardless of their social status.

3.      How do these themes relate to the theme of nihilism we have been discussing? Examples of themes could be ‘love’ or ‘madness’.

These themes are related to nihilism in a sense of madness. This is presented in their behaviors, their actions, while not caring about themselves, what society thinks, as well as losing their moral values. This is presented as they continue elaborate and feeding their inner desires of the dark world with inmoral behaviors and thoughts leading to self destruction.