Review of Shadow of the Vampire (2000) by M W — 17 Apr 2010

A fun exercise in what is basically historical fan-fiction. Dafoe is engaging, but his performance tips slightly too far into camp for me. Both Malkovich and Elwes are equally interesting but less mannered; Malkovich as a director completely obsessed with his film; Elwes, using his typical 'thataguy' ticks but as an adventurous cinematographer.

The premise is interesting (what if Max Schreck really was a vampire?) but after a while I just wanted to re-watch Murnau's original Nosferatu.