Paul Burgen
Actor
About Paul Burgen
Paul Burgen was a German actor who appeared during the silent film era, with his only known credited role being in the 1919 German expressionist film 'Nerves' (German title: 'Nerven'). This psychological drama, directed by Robert Reinert, was considered groundbreaking for its exploration of mental illness and social decay in post-World War I Germany. Burgen's career appears to have been extremely brief, spanning only the year 1919, which was not uncommon for many character actors in early German cinema who appeared in only one or two films before disappearing from historical records. Like many supporting actors from this period, detailed information about his life and career has been largely lost to time, with only his film credit remaining as evidence of his contribution to early cinema. His participation in 'Nerves' places him within the important German Expressionist movement that would later influence filmmakers worldwide.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the German expressionist film 'Nerves' (1919) directed by Robert Reinert
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Paul Burgen's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is part of the broader German Expressionist movement that revolutionized film in the early 20th century. His appearance in 'Nerves' (1919) places him within a groundbreaking period of German cinema that produced influential works exploring psychological themes and visual innovation. The film itself was notable for its ahead-of-its-time treatment of mental illness and social anxiety in post-war Germany, themes that would become increasingly relevant in cinema throughout the 20th century.
Lasting Legacy
As with many supporting actors from the silent era, Paul Burgen's legacy exists primarily through his participation in historically significant films rather than through individual recognition. His work in 'Nerves' contributes to the documentation of German Expressionist cinema's early development, serving as part of the foundation upon which later German and international filmmakers would build. While his name may not be widely recognized, his contribution to this important artistic movement represents the collective effort of countless actors who helped shape early cinema.
Who They Inspired
Given his brief career and single known film credit, Paul Burgen's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is difficult to trace. However, his participation in German Expressionist cinema places him within a movement that profoundly influenced international cinema, particularly in the areas of visual style, psychological storytelling, and atmospheric filmmaking techniques that would later be adopted by film noir and horror genres worldwide.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Paul Burgen's personal life, which is typical for many minor actors from the silent film era whose biographical details were not preserved in historical records.
Did You Know?
- Paul Burgen's only known film appearance was in 'Nerves' (1919), a German silent film considered ahead of its time
- The film 'Nerves' was directed by Robert Reinert and explored themes of mental illness and social decay
- 1919 was a pivotal year for German Expressionist cinema, with films like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' also being produced
- Many actors from this period appeared in only one or two films before disappearing from historical records
- Silent film actors often did not receive detailed biographical documentation unless they became major stars
- The film 'Nerves' was considered controversial for its psychological themes and depiction of post-war German society
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Paul Burgen?
Paul Burgen was a German actor from the silent film era who appeared in only one known film, 'Nerves' (1919), a German expressionist drama directed by Robert Reinert. His career was extremely brief, lasting only the year 1919, which was not uncommon for many character actors of early cinema.
What films is Paul Burgen best known for?
Paul Burgen is known only for his role in 'Nerves' (1919), a German silent film that was part of the early German Expressionist movement. This film was notable for its psychological themes and innovative visual style.
When was Paul Burgen born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Paul Burgen are not available in historical records, which is typical for many minor actors from the silent era. He was active as an actor in 1919 and was of German nationality.
What awards did Paul Burgen win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Paul Burgen, which is not surprising given his very brief career and single film credit during the early silent film period when formal acting awards were not yet established.
What was Paul Burgen's acting style?
Specific details about Paul Burgen's acting style are not documented in available historical records. As an actor in a German Expressionist film, he likely worked within the exaggerated, theatrical style typical of that movement, which emphasized emotional intensity and dramatic physicality.
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Films
1 film
