Review of Shadow of the Vampire (2000) by Julian T — 20 Oct 2011

What happens when a myth becomes larger than reality? The myth becomes fact. This film supposes that the almost 80 year old German nosferatu, starred a real vampire, Max Schreck was only myth. This is the stuff of movie legend, of which I admit I was not all too privy of.

That being the case I imagine I missed a lot of hiddenreferences, jokes, or subtext. Perhaps that would've improved the film, not that it's bad. I find fault mostly with the directing, as I did with his other feature Suspect Zero. The tone is uneven, flat, and there is no chemistry between characters.

Howeverthe premise is interesting, and some performances are compelling. Dafoe stars as the supposed method actor, whom will remain in total vampire character. Except he's actually a vampire. His performance is so eclectic, I can't quite quantify it. He's not scary, funny, or ominous. He's sort of quirky. Off.

Malkovich was flat for me, his German accent all over the place. Cary Elwes is entertaining in an underwritten role. But the movie never brings any of them together in a meaningful situation.

There isn't any narrative really, just the difficulties of making movie with a prima Donna vampire starring in it, and eating your crew. Which is funny, but not allowed to be. It just kind of feels like a big swing and a miss.

The ending scene almost makes up for everything, showing the obsession of it's creator. It also seems to have something to say about sacrifice for your art, acting, and maybe film making altogether. It's the science of making memories. So much so you can make movies about making movies.