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Prior to the age of the computer graphics, manipulation of light was only made possible through mechanical lighting equipments that we commonly see in stage productions. These equipments were not able to mimic natural lighting and thus the artificial nature of the lighting is something that was apparent. This in conjunction with the abstract nature of the way in which sets were designed, other than few exceptions of high profile films, shifted the emphasis from realism to the Mise en Scene idea of “placement”. As a result of such development, lighting was used as a literal device to assist in the progression of the plot, and consequently, lighting was endowed with many symbolic and allegorical meanings.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari displays a very distinct example of how light can be used metaphorically. The film exercises two different methods of dealing with light; the use of actual light to illuminate the scene, and the use of physically painted light on the set itself. It is easily observed that the main purpose of the stage lights was a functional one; to provide sufficient illumination to make filming possible. Aside from the occasional portrayal of shadowy figures, the creation of dramatic lighting effect was mostly partaken by the careful composition of light directly painted on the set, as well as the discrete use of camera filters to apply colour. Ideas in the plot was directly reflected in the lighting, such as how the sharp, jarred composition of painted light was a metaphor of the sporadic and confused mind of Francis.

It is important to note that even though the physical painting of light and shadow in Cabinet of Dr.Caligari is not considered lighting in the strict sense of the word, it is nonetheless an intentional composition of how the director wanted light to be observed. In a sense, this is just another means of how lighting could be portrayed, much like the unique means by which lighting was portrayed in Renaissance or I-Robot. In this case, lighting was used as metaphors in conveying the ideas of the plot and creating an overall atmosphere.