Lothar Körner
Actor
About Lothar Körner
Lothar Körner was an early German film actor who appeared during the pioneering days of cinema. His only known film credit is the groundbreaking 1913 German silent horror film 'The Student of Prague,' which is widely regarded as one of the first art films and a significant precursor to German Expressionism. Unfortunately, detailed biographical information about Körner is extremely limited, as was common for many supporting actors from the earliest days of cinema. His role in this historically significant film places him among the pioneers of German cinema, though he appears to have had a very brief acting career. Like many actors from this era, he may have been drawn from theatrical backgrounds or discovered during the rapid expansion of the film industry in Germany before World War I. The lack of additional film credits suggests he may have pursued other career paths after this single appearance, or his other work may be lost to history due to poor record-keeping of early cinema personnel.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Student of Prague' (1913), one of the first art films in cinema history
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lothar Körner's contribution to cinema, while small, places him among the pioneers of German film history. His participation in 'The Student of Prague' means he was part of a revolutionary film that introduced complex psychological themes and sophisticated visual techniques to cinema. This film was groundbreaking for its time, exploring themes of duality, Faustian bargains, and psychological horror that would become staples of German Expressionist cinema. Even in a minor capacity, being part of such an influential early work connects Körner to the birth of artistic cinema in Germany and the development of film as a serious art form rather than mere entertainment.
Lasting Legacy
Lothar Körner's legacy is primarily tied to his involvement in one of cinema's most important early works. 'The Student of Prague' continues to be studied by film scholars as a pivotal moment in the development of narrative cinema and psychological horror. While Körner himself remains an obscure figure, his participation in this landmark film ensures his place in the historical record of cinema's evolution from simple novelty to sophisticated art form.
Who They Inspired
Given the limited scope of Körner's known film work, his direct influence on subsequent actors and filmmakers cannot be definitively established. However, his contribution to 'The Student of Prague' indirectly influenced generations of filmmakers, as this film inspired numerous remakes and helped establish conventions that would become standard in psychological horror and expressionist cinema.
Off Screen
Very little personal information is available about Lothar Körner, which is typical for actors from the very early silent era who were not major stars. Records from this period are often incomplete or lost, especially for supporting cast members.
Did You Know?
- 'The Student of Prague' (1913) is considered one of the first independent feature films in cinema history
- The film was directed by Stellan Rye and starred Paul Wegener in the lead role
- Körner's specific role in the film is not well-documented in surviving records
- The film was groundbreaking for its use of double exposure to show the protagonist's doppelgänger
- Only fragments of the original film survive today, making complete analysis difficult
- The film was produced by Deutsche Bioscop, one of Germany's early film production companies
- The story is loosely based on the Faust legend and Edgar Allan Poe's 'William Wilson'
- The film was shot on location in Prague and at the studio in Babelsberg, Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lothar Körner?
Lothar Körner was an early German film actor from the silent era, known primarily for his appearance in the 1913 film 'The Student of Prague.' Very little biographical information about him survives, which is typical for supporting actors from cinema's earliest days.
What films is Lothar Körner best known for?
Körner is known only for his role in 'The Student of Prague' (1913), a groundbreaking German silent horror film that is considered one of the first art films in cinema history and a precursor to German Expressionism.
When was Lothar Körner born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Lothar Körner are not available in historical records, which is common for minor actors from the very early silent era.
What awards did Lothar Körner win?
No awards or nominations for Lothar Körner are recorded, as formal film awards were not yet established during the brief period of his known activity in 1913.
What was Lothar Körner's acting style?
Due to the lack of surviving detailed information about Körner's specific performance and the limited nature of his known film work, his particular acting style cannot be definitively characterized.
Learn More
Films
1 film
