Genuine: The Tragedy of a Vampire

Plot

After completing a mesmerizing portrait of Genuine, a mysterious high priestess, artist Percy becomes increasingly isolated and obsessive, refusing all social contact and spending his days locked away with his creation. When a wealthy patron offers to purchase the painting, Percy vehemently refuses, falling into a trance-like state while reading ancient stories about Genuine's life. In a supernatural manifestation, the painted figure of Genuine emerges from the canvas and escapes into the real world, bringing with her an aura of hypnotic danger and seductive power. As Genuine navigates the modern world, she leaves a trail of psychological destruction and tragic encounters, ultimately returning to confront her creator in a climactic battle between art and reality, obsession and freedom.

Historical Background

Genuine was produced during the Weimar Republic's early years, a period of intense artistic and cultural ferment in Germany following World War I. The nation was grappling with defeat, economic hardship, and political instability, which fueled a burst of creative expression across all arts. German Expressionism in cinema reflected the psychological trauma and anxiety of the post-war period through distorted visuals, dark themes, and exploration of the subconscious. The film emerged alongside other groundbreaking works like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' and 'From Morn to Midnight,' establishing Germany as a leader in avant-garde cinema. This period also saw the rise of the New Woman archetype in German society, which may have influenced the characterization of Genuine as a powerful, independent female figure who defies conventional boundaries.

Making Of

The production of 'Genuine' was marked by intense artistic collaboration and innovation. Director Robert Wiene brought together the same team of Expressionist artists who had created the revolutionary sets for 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.' Walter Reimann, Walter Röhrig, and Hermann Warm designed the surreal, angular sets that distorted perspective and created a dreamlike atmosphere. The costume design was particularly ambitious, with Fern Andra's outfits featuring elaborate geometric patterns and unconventional silhouettes that emphasized the character's otherworldly nature. The special effects sequence showing Genuine emerging from the painting was accomplished using multiple exposure techniques and careful matte work, representing cutting-edge filmmaking for the time. The production faced challenges with the complex lighting required for the Expressionist style and the precise timing needed for the supernatural sequences. Wiene insisted on using real paint and canvas materials for the portrait scenes to enhance authenticity, and the crew spent weeks perfecting the illusion of the painted figure coming to life.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Willy Hameister employed innovative techniques characteristic of German Expressionism, including dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, distorted camera angles, and the use of shadows to create psychological tension. The camera work emphasized the geometric patterns of the sets and costumes, often shooting from low angles to enhance the sense of disorientation and unease. The film utilized practical lighting effects to create the supernatural atmosphere, particularly in scenes involving Genuine's emergence from the painting. The cinematography also featured careful composition to highlight the contrast between the angular, artificial world of the sets and the more organic presence of the characters.

Innovations

Genuine pioneered several technical innovations in special effects and set design. The sequence showing Genuine emerging from the painting utilized sophisticated multiple exposure techniques that were cutting-edge for 1920. The film's elaborate matte paintings and forced perspective sets created impossible architectural spaces that would influence set design for decades. The production also experimented with color tinting, using different hues to enhance emotional impact and distinguish between reality and supernatural elements. The costume department developed new techniques for creating geometric patterns that would photograph well under the demanding lighting conditions required for Expressionist cinematography.

Music

As a silent film, Genuine would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The specific musical scores used are not documented, but they likely included popular classical pieces and original compositions typical of German cinema of the period. Modern restorations have featured new scores by contemporary composers who attempt to capture the Expressionist mood of the film. These modern scores often incorporate dissonant harmonies, unconventional instrumentation, and rhythmic complexity to complement the film's visual style and psychological themes.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic sequence where Genuine slowly emerges from the painted canvas, her form materializing through layers of special effects; the climactic confrontation between artist and creation in the distorted studio space; the montage of Genuine's hypnotic influence over her victims, shown through superimposed images and rapid cuts; the final scene where the portrait regains its power, suggesting the cyclical nature of art and obsession

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception was mixed but generally acknowledged the film's artistic ambition. Some reviewers praised the innovative visual design and Fern Andra's hypnotic performance, while others found the plot confusing and the symbolism excessive. The film was unfavorably compared to 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,' with many critics feeling it didn't reach the same level of artistic achievement. Modern critics and film historians have reassessed Genuine more favorably, recognizing its importance in the development of Expressionist cinema and its influence on subsequent horror films. The surviving footage is now studied for its contribution to visual storytelling and its role in establishing cinematic conventions for supernatural narratives.

What Audiences Thought

Initial audience response was lukewarm compared to the enthusiastic reception for 'Caligari.' Many viewers found the film's abstract style and ambiguous narrative challenging, though some appreciated its visual spectacle. The film performed modestly at the box office but didn't achieve the commercial success of Wiene's previous work. Contemporary audiences viewing the restored version often express fascination with the film's avant-garde aesthetics but note the difficulty in fully appreciating its impact due to the incomplete nature of the surviving footage. The film has developed a cult following among silent film enthusiasts and scholars of German Expressionism.

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