Caligari is deservedly one of the best known and most puploar silent films for its visual aesthetic. It's so far out there that it remains startling and fresh, even after repeated viewings. It's the most extreme example of German Expressionism in film, a visual representation of post-war social madness. I have mixed feelings about the ending. I sympathize with the filmmakers who lost their original ending, since the twist does indeed compromise the social message they intended. On the other hand, the re-written ending is more satisfying for most audiences and made the film much more commercial.