Review of Nosferatu (1922) by Leif T — 02 Mar 2013

Welcome back to Super Scary Spring, my look at various horror films.

If Twilight was the start of the modern vampire, Nosferatu is the beginning of the true vampire, in film that is. A classic silent film that is a must see for horror fans. But before I discuss the plot, perhaps I need to go into this films background.

The great director F.W. Murnau went out trying to adapt Dracula. Sadly to him, Bram Stoker's wife was giving him the rights. Instead of ditching the idea, Murnau changed the character's names and released as Nosferatu. Mrs. Stoker didn't let this go. She sued Murnau, and after winning, ordered that all the copies be destroyed. The film was considered lost for years, which is why I think the film's remake is one that does feel necessary. If I'm correct, the film was still lost at the time of the remake. However, it has since been found and stands as a horror classic.

The plot is nearly the exact same as Dracula. A man goes to sell a vampire a house, and in turn get people in trouble. In this version, Dracula/Orlok brings the plague with him by boat. So we've got a blood sucking monster bringing Plague ridden mice to London. Good going.

The movie is still scary. The lack of dialogue helps, and some of the shots of shadows are just flat out beautiful. I actually prefer some scenes without musical score added on because it just makes it more scary.

I love the costume of Count Orlok. His rat like face just makes it hard to look at him. Again, a lack of music helps his appearance. It's also very scary with all the film grain.

The film is shockingly well made for the time. Just the amount of sets, and shots make you forget that you're watching a movie. In fact a lot of the time the film looks like a dream. I tried doing a riff on it once, but it was so well made, that it was hard to crack really funny jokes.

If you like horror movies, or silent films, Nosferatu should be right up your alley. It's got enough great shots, that it's never boring. A must see for everyone. Next time, we're doing the remake during Super Scary Spring.