Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari
"You must become Caligari!"
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Ich muss Caligari werden!
— Asylum Director (in his diary)
Context:
Francis, having broken into the asylum director's office, reads his diary. This line is presented as a dramatic intertitle, representing the moment the director supposedly decided to reenact the ancient Caligari's crimes, solidifying him as the villain in Francis's narrative.
Meaning:
Translated as "I must become Caligari!", this line marks the climax of the asylum director's obsession in Francis's story. It signifies the complete surrender of his identity to that of the historical, murderous hypnotist, serving as the supposed proof of his guilt and madness. It is the core of the mystery Francis believes he has unraveled.
Wie lange habe ich zu leben?
— Alan
Context:
At the Holstenwall town fair, Francis and his friend Alan visit Dr. Caligari's exhibit. Alan, in a moment of curiosity, poses this fateful question to the somnambulist, Cesare, who has just been awakened from his coffin-like cabinet.
Meaning:
Alan asks Cesare, "How long have I to live?". Cesare's chilling response, "Bis zum Morgengrauen" ("Until dawn"), serves as a prophecy that is fulfilled, launching the film's central murder plot. This exchange blurs the line between fortune-telling and a direct threat, establishing the sinister nature of Caligari's carnival act.
Ihr Narren, dieser Mann plant unser aller Verderben! Wir sterben bei Tagesanbruch! Er ist Caligari!
— Francis
Context:
This line is uttered in the asylum during the final scenes of the film. After Francis finishes recounting his story, the asylum director appears, and Francis hysterically points him out as the evil Dr. Caligari, leading to him being subdued by the staff.
Meaning:
Translated as "You fools, this man is plotting our doom! We die at dawn! He is Caligari!", this is a desperate cry from Francis at the film's climax. Within the frame story, this line reveals the depth of his delusion, as he frantically tries to convince those in the asylum of his version of reality, seeing the benevolent director as the monstrous villain of his tale.