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Cast
Credits
Max
Schreck. . . . . . . . . . . . Count Orlok Studio
. . . . . . . . . . . Prana-Film [de]
Gustav v. Wangenheim.
. . . . Thomas Hutter
Director . . . . . . .
. . .F.W. Murnau
Alexander Granach.
. . . . . . . Broker Knock
Adapted by. . .
. . . . Henrik Galeen
Greta Schröder.
. . . . . . . . . . Ellen Hutter Cinematography.
. . . Günther
Krampf
Fritz
Arno Wagner
Gustav Botz . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Sievers
Costumes by. . . . . . .Albin
Graun
Music
by. . . . . . . . . .Hans
Erdmann
Run
Time: 84 minutes
The possible ratings are as follows:
Abysmal. Complete trash-- bad acting, writing, cinematography,
etc.
Bomb. One or two redeeming qualities, but inferior overall.
Average. Not outstanding in most respects, but worth checking
out.
I had a ball. Solid acting, writing,
cinematography, etc. Superior in many respects.
Excellent.
A true classic. Few, if any, flaws.
Nosferatu is the first adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" to make it to the movie screen. If you have not seen this film, it is probably unlike any version you have seen. In Nosferatu there are no bats, stakes driven through hearts, cleanly pressed suits with stylish capes, etc. Just about every stereotype of the vampire genre is missing. In this regard, this is a movie not about "Dracula" but about vampires. For those looking for these tell tale signs of the genre, you will most likely be greatly disappointed. For those keenly interested in vampires, you've hit the mother load.
The story opens up with young Thomas Hutter (Alexander Granach) picking flowers for his new bride, Ellen (Greta Schröder). the two are the picture of newlywed bliss. The sun shines over the city as Ellen takes it all in. Everything is perfect. Well, guess what--it's about to change. You see, Hutter works as a land agent, and he has been assigned to go close a deal with Count Orlok (Max Schreck). There is one problem with Orlok, he's a vampire. As Hutter sleeps, Orlok begins to slowly drain him of his blood. Soon, hutter realizes what is going on, and he escapes. Orlok then makes his way back to Hutter's city, where he has purchased the house next door to the Hutters. Shortly upon his arrival, people begin to die. Fear that a plague has hit causes a general quarantine, yet people continue to expire. Ellen, armed with the knowledge contained in "The Book of Vampires," lures Orlok to her bed just as dawn begins to break. Caught in the sunlight, Orlok dies and the town is free.
Nosferatu is generally regarded as one of the truly scary movies ever made. However, I do not believe the movie is really very scary. It is more accurate to say that it is an eerie film. As one watches the film, there is more of a feeling that something is just not right here rather than straight fear. The viewer becomes more absorbed in the characters than in what they do. The most obviously scary element to the film is the physical appearance of Orlok, and by today's standards, while the makeup is very well done, it is not really scary. If you are looking for a thrill a minute horror flick, keep looking; however, if you like creepy character studies, this film is for you.
The best thing about this film for me is the cinematography. Too many films of the silent era look like filmed plays with little or no chabge in perspective. In this film, we have lots of aerial shots and shots done at wierd angles. The directors of the silent era loved the close up, yet this film skillfully utilizes wide angle and far off shots to heighten the mood and add a grandness that lacks from many of the early films. Krampf and Wagner deserve high praise indeed for capturing the majestic beauty of the locaton shots. Also, there are very few frames indeed in which there is problems with focus or centering, common problems of the silent films.
The direction of Murnau is also a major plus with this film. Too many monster films hurry through the introduction of the monster so we can concentrate on the destruction he brings, followed by an often too quick climax. This movie's pace is unique. We spend lots of time getting to know the Count. In fact, the Count does not arrive in the city until fairly late in the film. Even after he has arrived, we learn of his destruction in a couple of powefully understated shots in which we see lines of coffins being carried through the city. The pace combined with the nice use of shadows and mood lighting add to the creepy feel of the film. The direction is done with such a light touch that we feel like we are watchging a news story rather than a film. The best directors can manipulate the audience without them knowing it, and that is exactly what Murnau does in this film.
One only need to make a quick note on the acting. Most of the ating is pretty typical of the silent era. Lots of broad gestures and facial expressions are used to convey emotion. I presonally like more subdued preformances, so I was only mildly impressed with the acting. However, Schreck does play the Count low key enough.
I like Nosferatu because
of the beautiful shots and direction. I found it to be only mildly scary
(note, however, that this film is too scary for children simply because of
the grotesque appearance of the count). However, the film looks so good
that I'm giving it the highest rating. My rating:
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