31 Days of Halloween: Silent Shadows-Nosferatu

Nosferatu (1922)
********* (9 out of 10 stars)
Starring: Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim, and Greta Schröder as Ellen Hutter.

Let’s address the Vampyre in the room: it’s a silent film. This might be a challenge for some audiences, as silent films demand the viewer’s full attention and emotional acuity. Unprepared viewers might find slower segments dragging. The film has a troubled past and, much like its titular character, has defied death, only to re-emerge from the shadows. As an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” it was subjected to a successful lawsuit by the Stoker estate, which led to a court order for the film’s destruction. Against all odds, a few copies survived, eventually entering the public domain, where it has aged like fine wine, thriving among fans. Now, before this review becomes a lecture on copyright law, let’s delve into what makes “Nosferatu” a masterpiece.

The gothic tale follows Thomas Hutter, embarking on a journey to Transylvania to meet the eerie and unsettling Count Orlok, only to uncover the Count’s vampiric intentions. Orlok sets his sights on Hutter’s hometown and his beloved wife, Ellen.

The first point of discussion is the film’s heavy, oppressive atmosphere. It masterfully conjures gloom, as if painted with a brush dipped in terror. When Orlok is encountered in his castle, it feels as though the viewer has descended into a realm of lurking danger. The moment Orlok is revealed does not disappoint; the set design and costuming amplify the sinister and foreboding ambiance.

Next, let’s consider the melodramatic acting unique to silent films. Performances, rich with grand gestures and intense delivery, are crucial to conveying emotion and intent, ensuring the viewer remains engaged and anticipatory. “Nosferatu” excels in this regard, with particularly noteworthy performances. The haunting menace of Orlok is delivered with exceptional skill.

Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok is deeply unsettling. His grotesque presence casts an indelible shadow over the genre, serving as a harbinger of the dark influence that would follow. This film is a silent era masterwork, standing tall as a seminal piece in the horror genre.