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Lost LA

How German Exiles Shaped Hollywood Cinema in the 1930s

In the early 20th century, a wave of German exile directors arrived in L.A., bringing over a distinct style of filmmaking that shaped early Hollywood cinema. This style, German expressionism, is characterized by its sharp edges and excellent use of light and shadow. This filmmaking aesthetic, would go on to influence the look and sound of movies for decades, inspiring the classic film noir genre.

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