Review of Shadow of the Vampire (2000) by Jesse M — 15 Dec 2009
Shadow of the vampire is not so much a vampire film or even a horror film for that matter. There are creepy scenes and even absurd scenes, yes but these are subtle.
No, this movie is about the extent a director will go to to get his shot that captures that art he so passionately talks about capturing to his actors and crew.
John Malkovich does an outstanding performance as Murnau - who seems to be losing his mind more and more as the film unwinds or at least, he is so deep down the rabbit hole in making this film, he just cares about that shot.
Willem Dafoe is Max Schreck - or at least, Max Schreck in make-up - and totally disappears into the role of this mysterious vampire, whom all the actors and crew believe to be an actor so obsessed with his work, he always remains in character.
It is an amazing performance from Dafoe, I can hardly see it is him under all the different mannerisms and make-up.
The man deserved that oscar for supporting actor.
Despite accent slip ups a plenty - it's a very clever film and what I find so appealing about it is that it has the spirit of making a film and becoming so drawn into the experience, even if the experience features a live vampire and a director so fixated on achieving art, he risks the lives of his crew.
This review of Shadow of the Vampire (2000) was written by Jesse M on 15 Dec 2009.
Shadow of the Vampire has generally received positive reviews.
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