Nosferatu (1929)
1929
94 Minutes
Vampire Count Orlok is interested in a new residence and in his real estate agent’s young wife. F. W. Murnau’s unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”
User Review
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Nosferatu really is a symphony of expressionistic horror. In what is one of the more influential films from the German expressionist movement, this unauthorised adaptation of Stoker's beloved 'Dracula' has really stood the test of time. Murnau crafted a piece of cinematic history through innovative lighting techniques and astute artistry. Bolstering an interesting legacy, in particular the Stokers' court order to burn all existing prints, that add an extra flavour to the vampiric cult film. An employee of an estate agent is sent to Transylvania to meet his new client Count Orlok to sign an agreement enabling the purchase of a derelict property. But, something does not look right with Mr. Orlok. Could it be his elongated phalanges? Two sharp fangs? Or the fact he sleeps during the day in a coffin, sinks his teeth into the necks of the innocent and creeps around like a 'Scooby-Doo' villain? Suffice to say, Orlok is a daunting character and one that surprisingly got under my skin. Schreck's performance was simply chilling, with long cold stares into the camera as Murnau slowly zooms in on his expressionless face. I can't imagine what viewers went through back in 1922! However it's the combination of director Murnau and Wagner's cinematography that sparks life into this silent film. The atmosphere that was produced is quite extraordinary. From the quaint rural town to the unilluminated mountainous peaks of Transylvania. An authentic environment was built surprisingly well considering it was the era of silent films. The esteemed horror was generated through the inventive use of lighting. The infamous shot of Orlok walking up the stairs or when he reaches out his hand to claim his next neck. Simple, yet remarkably effective. The creative editing techniques also enabled illusory effects to take place, although haphazard occasionally. It's a shame that the second act lost its focus and the pace dipped quite substantially, to the point where I started to lose interest. However despite a familiar premise, it's something special. Intimidatingly influential for some, a horror masterpiece for others.0 member like this review.
