Review of Nosferatu (1922) by Mark A — 18 Oct 2009

Nosferatu. This is what I'm talking about. One of the granddaddies of horror films everywhere. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. A German adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, this movie takes a different approach to the Count.

Named Count Orlok in this movie, the Count is not at all like Bram Stoker's creation: smooth, charismatic, and noble. No, Count Orlok's just one creepy looking mother. The scene where Hutter opens the door to see the Count looking at him with those white eyes is possibly one of the scariest horror movie scenes I've seen yet.

There's no doubt about it, Max Schreck steals the show for this movie. Thinking about that ratlike shadow lurking up the staircase to confront Hutter's wife gives me chills just thinking about it.

I can't say any more about this movie. If you love horror movies and enjoy a good scare, definitely check this out. The orchestral score, the suspense, the very effective camerawork (for 1922, but it still holds up), all make this a truly iconic movie in every sense of the word.