Watch Warning Shadows

Warning Shadows, a 1923 German Expressionist film directed by Arthur Robison, is a haunting, atmospheric tale of jealousy and trickery. The film centers on a wealthy family gathered for a dinner party in a grand castle, and the power dynamics that arise as they interact over the course of the evening. The movie is renowned for its use of shadows and lighting, which lend an otherworldly, dreamlike quality to the proceedings. Early on, we see a puppet show being performed for the guests, and this sets the stage for what follows - the boundaries between reality and illusion are constantly blurred, and we are never quite sure what to believe.

The central figure in Warning Shadows is the protagonist (played by Fritz Kortner), a young man who is deeply in love with the beautiful wife of one of the party guests. As the evening wears on, he becomes increasingly agitated and jealous, and it becomes clear that he will stop at nothing to win her affection.

The other guests, meanwhile, are caught up in their own dramas. There is a wealthy older man who is attracted to the protagonist's sister, a flirtatious young woman who is enjoying the attention of several men, and a couple who are on the brink of divorce. All of these characters are fascinating in their own right, and their interactions with each other create a dense, multifaceted portrait of human desire and frailty.

Throughout the film, we see moments of great beauty and suspense. There are scenes in which the protagonist sneaks up behind his love interest and appears to be about to touch her - but when the camera cuts to a different angle, we see that he is actually reaching for a light switch. This kind of masterful misdirection keeps us on the edge of our seats, wondering what will happen next.

One of the most striking things about Warning Shadows is the way it portrays the emotions of its characters. There is a sense of heightened intensity throughout - the actors gesture and emote wildly, as though they are possessed by the spirits of their characters. This is particularly true during a scene in which the protagonist has a breakdown, wailing and writhing on the floor as the other guests look on in terror.

The film's visual style is equally captivating. The use of shadows and light creates a sense of depth and texture that is rare in films of any era. The castle itself is a character in its own right, with its winding staircases, hidden passageways, and gothic architecture lending a sense of ominous beauty to every shot.

Overall, Warning Shadows is a masterpiece of early cinema. It is a film that rewards close attention and careful analysis, and it will stay with you long after the credits roll. Fans of German Expressionism, psychological thrillers, and experimental filmmaking will find much to love here.