In the realm of literature and artistry, metaphors hold a significant place. They are creative tools that bring life to a narrative, making them always relevant. However, there are instances when certain metaphors reemerge from obscurity, suddenly taking on a renewed sense of importance and relevance. One such metaphor was discovered by Karl Bartos, a prominent figure in the electrical music scene and a long-standing member of the band Kraftwerk. Bartos’s metaphor of choice was “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”, a film by Robert Wiene released in 1920.
This action-horror film was groundbreaking for its time. It was among the earliest films to incorporate plot twists that would completely overturn the direction of the narrative. However, Bartos believes that the essence of the film lies beyond just the surprise elements in its plot. In his eyes, “Caligari is only superficially about the search for truth,” he stated on a text panel preceding the debut of his new sound version at the Alte Oper Frankfurt.
Delving deeper into the film’s core, Bartos suggests that the real journey we embark on when watching “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is a journey into the dissolution of reality. The film’s plot twists and turns, according to Bartos, actually serve to pull us further away from reality, making us question the very nature of truth and our perception of it.
