Review of Shadow of the Vampire (2000) by Colin H — 10 Sep 2010

Merhige creates a modern masterwork and who better to star in it than Malkovich and DaFoe. In real life, people are not so easily split into good and bad character as in a normal movie particularly horror movies.

All the characters are placed on a grey scale slippery slope of what really defines evil. Malkovich is 1930?s director of what he wants to be the most authentic vampire movie ever. He drags his whole production crew to Eastern Europe for extra authenticity.

He cast the unknown Count Orlof, Dafoe, as his vampire. He explains that Orlof is a brilliant undiscovered actor and his methods require him to stay character at all times. The film they are shooting is very similar Nosfurautu 1922 and excellent itself, but the real drama happens when the cameras stop rolling.

Malkovich, the overbearing control freak director assumes he has control of the situation, but it becomes evident that Dafoe?s vampire is really in control. Malkovich is willing to risk or sacrifice anything to put the film in the can, Dafoe has a similar desire and one of them will give-up everything for there craft.

This movie ranks as on of my favorites of all time. Highly recommended for multiple viewings.