Describe briefly what style of acting Klaus Kinski embodies and why it is generally associated with the German cinema
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. The acting style of Klaus Kinski in such movies as Aguirre, the Wrath of God is stylized and expressionistic. Expressionistic acting is generally associated with the German cinema, which is mostly a cinema of directors, rarely actors. Compared to an extreme form of expressionistic acting, such as that of Conrad Veidt in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Kinski is relatively realistic, though.
2. Stripped of individualizing details, this expressionistic style of acting stresses a symbolic concept rather than a believable three-dimensional character.
3. It is presentational rather than representational, a style of extremes rather than norms.
4. Psychological complexity is replaced by a stylized thematic essence.
5. For example, Kinski’s portrayal of a Spanish conquistador in Aguirre, the Wrath of God is conceived in terms of a treacherous serpent. His Dantean features are a frozen mask of ferocity. Aguirre can suddenly twist and coil like a cobra poised for a strike.
You might also like to view...
What is the term for a shot made by placing the camera below the subject, angled
upward?
a. a reverse shot b. a high-angle shot c. a low-angle shot d. a long shot
What unusual material was innovatively adapted to architectural use for decorative elements of the Chrysler Building in New York?
A. Cast iron B. Stainless steel C. Aluminum D. Glass
One of the earliest revolts against colonial rule took place against the British Empire in
A. India. B. Pakistan. C. Bangladesh. D. Australia.
The Ed Sullivan TV show censored a live Elvis Presley performance
a. with camera angles. b. with audio beeps. c. by rewriting lyrics to his songs. d. by allowing only acceptable songs to be performed.