[IMDB link] [Netflix link] A vampire movie in HD? Okay.
LIMERICK REVIEW: There once was an actor playing a vampire,
whose unorthodox methods were to admire.
But when he tasted blood,
He felt his hunger flood–
Causing some cast members to expire.
HAIKU REVIEW: Making vampire films
can become complicated
with real vampire stars.
PEOPLE: John Makovitch as Marnau. William Dafoe as Shreck — his creepiness in this movie is why he was selected to be The Green Goblin in the Spider-Man movies. Catherine McCormack (Braveheart, 28 Weeks Later) as Greta — Dafoe’s “personal heroin”. And yes, I mean heroin and not heroine. :)
QUIRKS: A movie about making a movie. THE vampire movie, Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens, the “first” horror movie, from the silent film days of Germany, based on Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” book (1897). All the characters in the movie are based off of real-life directors and actors.
It is based in part on the myth that Max Schreck was a real vampire when he played the role of Orlock/Dracula so well. Of course, the reality of the situation is that Max Schreck was already a theatre and movie veteran when Nosferatu was shot, and appeared in many non-Vampire roles before dying in 1936.
I also wonder if “Shrek” was named after Max Schreck. If so, I gained a subtle cultural insight. Nothing is unique; everything is based on something else. If not, well — that’s quite a coincidence.
VISUALS: No real visuals, other than William Dafoe’s incredible makeup and creepy faces. He was pretty much the creepiest Dracula ever. Most vampire movies are obviously fantasy, but this movie was shot to be in reality. And not a horror movie reality like Fright Night, but the real reality we live in. It’s a movie about filmmakers making a real movie that was made in life. This framework makes creepy Dracula that much creepier. People keep thinking he’s just an actor in the movie, but he’s really a vampire.
MORALS: Snuff films are bad? If you find a real vampire in real life, you should probably just kill it…
BAD STUFF: This movie is a subtle, slow-moving drama of sorts. It’s not epic fantasy excitement like, say, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or even Interview With A Vampire. It’s quite possibly the most subtle vampire movie I’ve ever watched. It’s a bit easier to fall asleep during than most. This doesn’t mean the movie’s bad; just be prepared for a different pacing algorithm than most films have.
CONCLUSION: 3/5 stars on Netflix, 7/10 on IMDB.
RECOMMENDATION: If you want a vampire movie that’s more on the creepy side, less on the fantasy side, and taking place in the infancy of film (the 1920s): You’ve found it. This is it.
SIMILAR MOVIES: Most vampire movies are NOT similar to this. But what I did find that was interesting — is that the original Nosferatu movie has been re-scored by gothic metal band Type O Negative! You can get it on Amazon.com here. I’m totally putting this on my wishlist. There’s no way in hell I’d ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever watch a silent black & white film — but Type O Negative scoring it totally changes that.
MOVIE QUOTE: F.W. Murnau: Ladies and gentlemen, this is Max Schreck, who will be portraying our vampire, Count Orlock. As you no doubt have heard, Max’s methods are somewhat… unconventional, but… I am sure you will come to respect his artistry in this matter.
(and later)
F.W. Murnau: If it’s not in frame, it doesn’t exist!
FRIENDS’ RATINGS: Christian D loved it. Parthena, Christie R, Eric M, Glen, and Benj really liked it. Ian liked it.
Mood: recovering from juror’s germs
Music: Kreator – Material World Paranoia
Claire's blog 
June 18, 2009 at 10:35 AM
“It’s a bit easier to fall asleep during than most.”
My sister was visiting me when this came out, and we saw it in the theater. She fell asleep. :)
Oh, and up at the top under your “People” heading, I think you mean “personal heroine“. “Personal heroin” is something else entirely. ;)
June 18, 2009 at 10:36 AM
No, actually, I meant heroin. Twilight quote…
June 18, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I’ve been consciously avoiding anything and everything Twilight related.
June 18, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Heh. We all thought it was decent. It’s just not a typical vampire movie — It’s about as far off the normal path of vampire movies as Shadow Of The Vampire was.
Though I have to admit having consciously avoided Independence Day and Titanic.
June 18, 2009 at 10:38 AM
And — that’s pretty damn funny that your sister fell asleep! It’s definitely slower than what one is accustomed to for the gamut of vampire movies. Hopefully being forewarned will make a difference in someone’s viewing experience.
June 22, 2009 at 12:41 AM
It’s been a long time since I saw this, but I think I agree with your reaction. On an added note, Willem Defoe may qualify for an acting versatility award–afterall, he played both Schreck and Christ! :)
January 21, 2010 at 11:49 AM
[…] for Bruce Campbell fanboys • Prince Of Darkness (1987) – not as scary as when 12 • Shadow Of The Vampire (2000) – creepy, and the basis for Willem DaFoe becoming the Green Goblin in the Spider-Man […]
November 28, 2010 at 5:39 PM
Clint I agree is Willem Dafoe is a fabulous actor, with a most interesting face, with or without make-up. If he had starred in Titantic, I might have been able to sit through that piece of shite.
November 28, 2010 at 6:12 PM
@Mike: Yes he is.
You should check him out in AntiChrist. That movie…. is among the most horrifying things I’ve ever seen in my life.
Still never saw Titanic!
I kind of want to watch it to see how bad it is, but then again, I like most movies, so I’d probably get sucked in and ending up liking it. So I’ve tried not to criticize Tittanic too much, since I’ve never seen it :)
September 27, 2011 at 8:50 PM
[…] were available), though maybe that has changed. Netflix also didnt’t have the version of Nosferatu with sound re-done by Type O […]