Some of the greatest early films made were part of the German Expressionist movement, an early film movement that relied upon symbolism and careful cinematography to create movies with great feeling and meaning, a response to the inability of German filmmakers to compete with Hollywood’s big budgets. [ wiki]
	image via The Paramount

The often-highly surreal films went out of vogue quite rapidly, however, the movement had a lasting effect on movie-making, being an important inspiration on the horror and noir genres, as well as influencing filmmakers even today, notably Tim Burton. While a number of old German Expressionist films are befuddling and laughable to the modern viewer, still more remain fascinating tales. The Paramount Theater is hosting a series of German Expressionist films on Mondays in January, starting with Diary of a Lost Girl on January 15th. Starring legendary Louise Brooks (pictured above), Diary is the story of a girl who finds a sort of redemption from her miserable life in an unusual place.

Monday, January 22’s movie is The White Hell of PItz Palu, the tale of an ill-fated honeymoon. One of the last films of the German Expressionist era is Asphalt, which plays Monday, January 29th, a melodramatic meditation on the struggle between love and duty.

All movies start at 7 pm; tickets are $12 each, plus fees, and each film is accompanied by Dennis James on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

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