Nosferatu (1922)

Director: F.W. Murnau

Starring: Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim

Vampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter’s wife.

How many vampire movies have been made over the years? Well, back in 1922 ‘Nosferatu’ was the very first vampire film ever made, based on Bram Stoker’s story. (Due to Stoker’s family refusing to sell the film rights, director F.W. Murnau simply changed the names and some of the events, and voila!, you have ‘Nosferatu’.)

This must have been a truly frightening premise when the film hit the theatres in 1922. Never before have the audiences seen anything like this. It is an epic story of forbidden love, but in the worst kind of way.

Hutter and his wife Ellen are happily married. Hutter works for estate agent Knock. When Knock receives a letter from Count Orlok stating he is looking to buy a home, Hutter must journey to his castle in Transylvania to present him with the paperwork. Set in 1838 travelling vast distances were not the easiest or fastest. While Hutter journeys to Transylvania, Ellen is to stay with Hutter’s friend Harding and his wife.

On his way to the castle, the townsfolk warn Hutter against going to Orlok’s castle, but an undaunted Hutter continues his journey. On arrival, he meets Count Orlok, who tells him he sleeps during the day. Hutter soon learns the terrible truths about his host. Upon seeing a photo of Ellen, Orlok is destined to connect with her. Thanks to good make-up, Max Schreck looks truly evil as Nosferatu.

The 1992 film ‘Dracula’ (aka Bram Stoker’s Dracula) starring Gary Oldman and Keanu Reeves is almost identical to ‘Nosferatu’; just on a much grander scale. Also worth checking out is ‘Shadow of the Vampire’ from 2000, starring Willem Dafoe. This film is a fictionalized telling of the making of ‘Nosferatu’ and makes for very interesting viewing.

In German. (Silent Film)

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.