Crown of Thorns

Director Robert Wiene had directed what film historians label as the consummate German Expressionistic movie, 1920's 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.' In the quintessential film, Wiene essentially defined the unique elements of one of the more creative and influential cinematic imagery and character development styles. When the director decided to tackle the Passion Play of Jesus' final days, he gave a twist to the oft-told story by staging through multiple high angle shots and chiaroscuro lighting a touch of Expressionism in his December 1923 "I. N. R. I." aka "Crown of Thrones."

Drawing upon an all-star Germanic cast, Wiene opted for a spare set design whose cramped stage contains a large cast of primary actors as well as multiple extras. Werner Krause, who played Dr. Caligari, is Pontius Pilate, while famous Danish actess Asta Nielsen portrays Marie Magdalena. Asta's live-in boyfriend, actor Gregoria Chmara, is the lead playing Jesus, and veteran actress Henny Porten, whose movie career spanned from 1905 until 1955, is Mary.

Two versions exist of "I. N. R. I." The one that is accessible to the public belongs to Bundesarchiv Film Archive in Berlin. Tinted sepia throughout, this is the first film of Christ to use such a dye, giving an aura that everything occurs at night. Even the day scenes look like they take place during the evening. In addition, Weine used a black vignette background in a number of shots, suggesting there are other events going on outside the camera frame.

"I. N. R. I.," seen on top of Christ's cross translates to 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.' The film was Wiene's most expensive and largest scaled production he ever undertook. American distributors were so impressed with the film they added music when they reissued it in 1933, renaming it "Crown of Thorns."