Sleeping Beauty

Plot

In this German silent adaptation of the classic fairy tale, a beautiful princess is cursed at birth by an evil fairy who declares she will prick her finger on a spindle and die on her sixteenth birthday. A good fairy softens the curse, changing death to a deep sleep that can only be broken by true love's kiss. The princess grows up protected from all spindles, but fate intervenes when she discovers an old woman spinning and falls under the spell. The entire castle falls into an enchanted slumber with her, becoming overgrown by thorns, until a brave prince fights through the magical barriers to awaken her with a kiss, breaking the century-long curse.

Historical Background

This film was produced during the height of World War I, a period when German cinema was experiencing significant growth despite the war's challenges. The German film industry was largely isolated from international competition due to the conflict, leading to a flourishing of domestic productions. Fairy tale adaptations were particularly popular during this time as they offered audiences escape from the harsh realities of war. Director Paul Leni was part of the emerging generation of German filmmakers who would later contribute to the expressionist movement that would define German cinema in the 1920s. The film's production coincided with the establishment of the Universum Film AG (UFA) in 1917, which would soon become Germany's most powerful film studio. This period saw German cinema developing its distinct visual style, emphasizing elaborate sets, dramatic lighting, and innovative special effects that would influence international cinema for decades.

Making Of

The production of 'Sleeping Beauty' took place during a challenging period in German history, with World War I affecting film production resources. Director Paul Leni, who had previously worked as an art director and set designer, brought his visual expertise to create elaborate fantasy sequences. The casting of Mabel Kaul as the princess was somewhat unusual, as she was better known for dramatic roles on the Berlin stage. The film's production utilized the studio facilities of PAGU in Berlin, where elaborate sets were constructed to represent the enchanted castle and the thorn-covered forest. The special effects team employed innovative techniques for the time, including the use of glass paintings and matte shots to create the magical atmosphere. The production faced material shortages due to the war, but the studio prioritized this fantasy film as a form of escapist entertainment for wartime audiences.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by Carl Hoffmann, featured innovative techniques for its time, including the use of soft focus and dramatic lighting to enhance the fairy tale atmosphere. The film employed multiple exposure techniques to create magical effects, particularly in the scenes involving the curse and its breaking. Hand-tinted color sequences were used for special moments, adding to the visual richness of the production. The camera work emphasized the grandeur of the sets and the scale of the enchanted castle, using wide shots to establish the fantasy world. The cinematography also utilized innovative lighting techniques to create the contrast between the normal world and the enchanted realm, prefiguring the dramatic lighting style that would become characteristic of German Expressionist cinema.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for its time, including sophisticated special effects sequences created through multiple exposure and in-camera matting techniques. The production utilized elaborate set designs with moving parts and mechanical effects to create the magical transformations. The thorn forest sequences were particularly technically ambitious, requiring innovative set construction and cinematography to achieve the desired effect. The film also employed early forms of color tinting to enhance the magical atmosphere, using different color tints to distinguish between the normal and enchanted worlds. The makeup and prosthetics used for the aging effects and the hundred-year sleep were considered advanced for the period.

Music

The original musical score was composed by Giuseppe Becce, a prominent figure in German silent film music. The score featured orchestral arrangements that enhanced the fairy tale atmosphere, with leitmotifs for different characters and magical elements. The music emphasized the romantic and dramatic elements of the story, using sweeping melodies for the awakening scene and mysterious themes for the curse sequences. Becce's composition incorporated elements of both classical and romantic styles, reflecting the film's blend of traditional fairy tale elements with contemporary cinematic techniques. The original score was designed to be performed by a full orchestra in major cinemas, with simplified arrangements available for smaller theaters.

Memorable Scenes

• The curse scene where the evil fairy condemns the princess, featuring dramatic lighting and special effects
• The princess discovering the spinning wheel and falling under the spell
• The thorn forest growing around the castle, shown through innovative time-lapse effects
• The prince fighting through the enchanted thorns to reach the castle
• The awakening scene where true love's kiss breaks the century-long curse

What Critics Said

Contemporary German critics praised the film's visual splendor and imaginative interpretation of the classic fairy tale. Reviews from 1917 highlighted the elaborate sets and the effective use of special effects to create the magical atmosphere. The performances, particularly Mabel Kaul's portrayal of the princess, were noted for their grace and authenticity to the fairy tale spirit. Critics also commended Paul Leni's direction for maintaining the story's emotional depth while showcasing technical innovation. Modern film historians have recognized the film as an important precursor to German Expressionism, noting its visual experimentation and thematic depth. However, due to the film's incomplete survival status, comprehensive modern critical assessment remains challenging.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by German audiences during its initial release, particularly among families seeking wholesome entertainment during the war years. Its fairy tale subject matter made it popular with children and adults alike, and it enjoyed successful runs in major German cities. Audience reactions were especially positive toward the film's visual effects and the romantic elements of the story. The film's success demonstrated the enduring appeal of fairy tale adaptations and encouraged German studios to produce more fantasy films. Contemporary audience reports suggest that viewers were particularly impressed by the thorn forest sequences and the awakening scene, which were considered technically impressive for the time.

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