The Street

Plot

The Street follows a bored, middle-aged man (Anton Edthofer) who, weary of his monotonous bourgeois existence, ventures out into the dangerous streets of the city at night seeking excitement and escape. His journey leads him to a prostitute (Aud Egede-Nissen) with whom he becomes infatuated, drawing him deeper into the criminal underworld. Simultaneously, the film tracks the story of a blind man and his young grandson, who navigate the same treacherous streets through their interdependent relationship. The two plotlines eventually converge in a dramatic confrontation that explores the thin line between civilization and primal instinct. The city itself becomes a character - an expressionistic nightmare of shadows, distorted angles, and moral chaos that threatens to consume all who enter its domain.

Historical Background

The Street emerged during the Weimar Republic's golden age of cinema (1919-1933), a period of extraordinary artistic innovation despite severe political and economic instability. 1923 was particularly catastrophic for Germany, with hyperinflation reaching its peak - the German mark became virtually worthless, and social unrest was widespread. This climate of chaos and uncertainty directly influenced the film's themes of urban alienation and moral decay. The Expressionist movement in German cinema reflected the nation's psychological trauma after World War I and its struggle with modernity. Films like 'The Street' captured the anxiety of a society caught between traditional values and the temptations of modern urban life. The film's release coincided with the occupation of the Ruhr by French and Belgian troops, further destabilizing the country and reinforcing the sense of national crisis that permeates the movie's atmosphere.

Making Of

The production of 'The Street' took place during one of the most turbulent periods in German history. The Weimar Republic was experiencing catastrophic hyperinflation, with money losing value by the hour. Despite these economic challenges, Decla-Film invested heavily in the elaborate sets and innovative camera techniques that would make the film visually striking. Director Karl Grune insisted on using actual tracking shots rather than the more common static camera work of the era, requiring the construction of special camera dollies. The urban sets were designed to create a claustrophobic, nightmarish atmosphere with distorted perspectives and dramatic shadows. The cast faced particular challenges in conveying emotion without dialogue, relying heavily on gesture and expression typical of German Expressionist acting style. The film's controversial themes of prostitution and urban decay caused some initial censorship issues, though it was eventually passed with minor cuts.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'The Street' represents a pinnacle of German Expressionist visual style, characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, distorted perspectives, and innovative camera movements. Cinematographer Karl Freund employed revolutionary techniques including tracking shots that follow characters through the labyrinthine streets, creating a sense of immersion and movement rarely seen in films of this era. The urban sets were designed with exaggerated angles and distorted architecture to reflect the psychological state of the characters. Lighting was used expressionistically, with deep shadows and stark highlights creating a nightmarish atmosphere. The film makes effective use of superimposition and other optical effects to convey psychological states. The camera often adopts subjective viewpoints, putting the audience in the position of the characters as they navigate the dangerous city. This visual approach transforms the urban environment from mere setting to active character in the narrative.

Innovations

The Street pioneered several technical innovations that would influence cinema for decades. The film's most significant achievement was its extensive use of moving camera shots, particularly tracking shots that follow characters through the city streets. This required the development of specialized camera dollies and tracks that were groundbreaking for the time. The film also employed innovative lighting techniques, using artificial light sources to create dramatic shadows and highlights that enhanced the expressionistic atmosphere. The production design featured elaborate movable sets that could be reconfigured to achieve different visual effects and perspectives. The film's editing techniques, including rapid cuts during moments of tension and psychological montage sequences, were advanced for the period. The visual effects work, including superimpositions and optical dissolves, demonstrated technical sophistication in conveying psychological states. These technical achievements were particularly impressive given the economic difficulties in Germany during the film's production.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Street' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical accompaniment would have included a small orchestra or pianist performing a compiled score that matched the film's dramatic moments. While no original score by a specific composer has been documented, the musical style would have reflected the expressionistic nature of the visuals, likely incorporating dissonant harmonies and dramatic dynamics during tense moments. Modern restorations of the film have featured newly composed scores by contemporary silent film composers, who often draw on both period-appropriate styles and modern sensibilities. These new scores typically emphasize the film's urban themes through jazz-influenced rhythms and orchestral colors that evoke the chaos of the city. Some screenings have featured experimental electronic scores that highlight the film's modernist visual style.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where the bored man stares out his window at the tempting city lights
• The first tracking shot following the man as he ventures into the dark streets
• The encounter with the prostitute in the shadowy alleyway
• The blind man and grandson navigating the dangerous streets together
• The climactic confrontation where all storylines converge
• The expressionistic dream sequence with distorted cityscapes
• The final return to domesticity, forever changed by the night's experiences

What Critics Said

Upon its release, 'The Street' received generally positive reviews from German critics, who praised its visual innovation and psychological depth. The film press particularly noted Karl Grune's dynamic direction and the atmospheric cinematography that brought the expressionistic urban landscape to life. Contemporary reviews highlighted the film's ability to capture the essence of modern urban alienation and its technical achievements in camera movement. In retrospectives, film historians have recognized 'The Street' as a significant transitional work in German cinema, bridging pure expressionism with more realistic narrative approaches. Modern critics appreciate the film's influence on subsequent cinema, particularly film noir, and its sophisticated exploration of psychological themes. The film is now regarded as a masterpiece of silent cinema, though it remains somewhat less known than other expressionist classics like 'Metropolis' or 'Nosferatu'.

What Audiences Thought

Contemporary audience reactions to 'The Street' were mixed but generally positive, with many viewers drawn to its dramatic visual style and compelling urban narrative. The film's themes of middle-class boredom and the allure of the dangerous city resonated with Weimar-era audiences experiencing rapid social change and economic uncertainty. Some viewers found the expressionistic style disorienting, while others praised its artistic innovation. The prostitute character, played by Aud Egede-Nissen, was particularly popular with audiences, who appreciated the complexity of her portrayal. In the years following its release, the film developed a cult following among cinema enthusiasts. Modern audiences rediscovering the film through restorations and retrospectives often praise its timeless themes and visual sophistication, though some contemporary viewers find the silent film style challenging. The film remains a favorite among silent cinema aficionados and students of film history.

You Might Also Like