German Expressionism

From Nosferatu (1922): the shadow of the vampire
is seen climbing stairs in the famous film

German Expressionism influence in filmmaking is probably the best known part of the movement.

A bit about the film in generally:
During the period of recovery following World War I, the German film industry was flourishing, but because of the stiff economic times filmmakers found it difficult to create movies that could be possible to compare with the lush, extravagant features coming from Hollywood. The filmmakers of the German UFA studio developed their own unique style by using symbolism and mise en scene to add mood and deeper meaning to a movie.

I was always fascinated by German Expressionism filmmaking. To me, it will always be amazing how a silent film can say so much.