Before the term “Burtonesque” was coined and hits like Sleepy Hollow and Edward Scissorhands took Hollywood by storm, the inspiration for winding halls, curving shapes, and unnatural scenery came from the visual distortions of German Expressionist cinema. 1920’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, which tonight is accompanied by a live score from David DiDonato, is one of the best examples of this genre. Screening alongside it is Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, which definitely gets inspiration from the genre in its pairing a gothic mansion beside a pastel suburban neighborhood. It's anti-realism at its finest. – Felicity Guajardo
