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Nosferatu was released more than 100 years ago and it is still regarded as a seminal and influential work in the horror genre, and maybe even beyond. The images of its main antagonist Count Orlok are notable and iconic among film fans. The legends and myths surrounding actor Max Schreck have inspired other works and films. Several weeks ago, a third remake, directed by Robert Eggers, was released to much acclaim proving Nosferatu's lasting impact.
The film follows Orlok's attempt to move to London prompting real estate agent Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) to be sent by his employer to close the deal. In the process, Orlok becomes obsessed with a picture of Hutter's wife, Ellen (Greta Schröder), which leads him to trap Hutter in his castle as he tries to make his way to Ellen, leaving a trail of death on his path.
This is probably my second or third watch and I think the film fared a lot better now than it did the first time. Back in the day, I really didn't like how the character of Hutter is portrayed as well as the overacting excesses of the times. However, I've always found the figure of Count Orlok to be striking, iconic, and menacing. That remains true nowadays, along with the eerie atmosphere and the effective way that Murnau mounts the rising tension as the film progresses. My feelings towards Hutter warmed a bit this time around, probably a result of being more accustomed to the films and acting of the era than I was 10-15 years ago.
I do think the film does a lot of expository dumps in the intertitles, which often ends up breaking the momentum of certain sequences. There's also the absurdity of real estate agents selling a house to *THAT* guy
but I guess we have to roll with that. But again, the best thing that the film offers is in the visuals, and how Muranu shoots Orlok. From the opening act in the castle to the sequences in the boat, and culminating with the last act which I think is masterful, and filled with several iconic images.
As most people know, the film is based in Bram Stoker's Dracula (the novel, not the film) with some changes in the names and the story. Orlok is obviously a Dracula figure, while Hutter is a stand-in for Jonathan Harker, as well as other slight changes here and there. Still, those changes didn't stop Stoker's widow from suing the filmmakers and trying to get the film vanquished. 100+ years later and numerous remakes after, it's evident that Nosferatu's shadow still looms over us.
Grade:
NOSFERATU
A SYMPHONY OF HORROR
(1922, Murnau)
A SYMPHONY OF HORROR
(1922, Murnau)
"Beware that his shadow doth not burden your dreams with horrible fears."
Nosferatu was released more than 100 years ago and it is still regarded as a seminal and influential work in the horror genre, and maybe even beyond. The images of its main antagonist Count Orlok are notable and iconic among film fans. The legends and myths surrounding actor Max Schreck have inspired other works and films. Several weeks ago, a third remake, directed by Robert Eggers, was released to much acclaim proving Nosferatu's lasting impact.
The film follows Orlok's attempt to move to London prompting real estate agent Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) to be sent by his employer to close the deal. In the process, Orlok becomes obsessed with a picture of Hutter's wife, Ellen (Greta Schröder), which leads him to trap Hutter in his castle as he tries to make his way to Ellen, leaving a trail of death on his path.
This is probably my second or third watch and I think the film fared a lot better now than it did the first time. Back in the day, I really didn't like how the character of Hutter is portrayed as well as the overacting excesses of the times. However, I've always found the figure of Count Orlok to be striking, iconic, and menacing. That remains true nowadays, along with the eerie atmosphere and the effective way that Murnau mounts the rising tension as the film progresses. My feelings towards Hutter warmed a bit this time around, probably a result of being more accustomed to the films and acting of the era than I was 10-15 years ago.
I do think the film does a lot of expository dumps in the intertitles, which often ends up breaking the momentum of certain sequences. There's also the absurdity of real estate agents selling a house to *THAT* guy
but I guess we have to roll with that. But again, the best thing that the film offers is in the visuals, and how Muranu shoots Orlok. From the opening act in the castle to the sequences in the boat, and culminating with the last act which I think is masterful, and filled with several iconic images.As most people know, the film is based in Bram Stoker's Dracula (the novel, not the film) with some changes in the names and the story. Orlok is obviously a Dracula figure, while Hutter is a stand-in for Jonathan Harker, as well as other slight changes here and there. Still, those changes didn't stop Stoker's widow from suing the filmmakers and trying to get the film vanquished. 100+ years later and numerous remakes after, it's evident that Nosferatu's shadow still looms over us.
Grade: