An Expressionist BSOD is a terrific image. Mow, he said, like a cat.

Thank you. Prrrt.

I've always liked Fredersen's turn because it's the point where he becomes a human again

Yes. I think that's one of the reasons the shift in styles works as expressively as it does: he presents himself all intellect and industry, but he was in love once (and in a love triangle to boot) and he does care for his son, even if it takes a more or less literal cliffhanger for him to realize it. He looks harrowed afterward, but much more approachable; shy, even. The ending will require a hell of a lot of negotiation if we are going to believe it on anything more than the level of metaphor, but we wouldn't believe it at all if Fredersen had stayed cool.

(edit: I was unaware we picked Fritz Lang's birthday as our date to to get married, but I can't think right now of a better personage with whom to share a special day.)

Out of curiosity I went looking, and we also picked Emeric Pressburger's birthday! I think we did well.

[edit] I regret to report we also, also married on Mozart's yahrzeit, but at least we can make Tom Lehrer jokes about that.