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Max Schreck IS "Nosferatu", 18 March 2001
Author:
jhclues from Salem, Oregon
In 1921, director F.W. Murnau set out to make a horror film based on Bram
Stoker's novel, `Dracula,' but was denied the rights to the property by
Stoker's estate. Undeterred, however, Murnau merely changed the title to
`Nosferatu,' the name of the title character to `Count Orlok,' then
proceeded to make what has come to be considered nothing less than a classic
of the silent film era. An unsettling film (especially for the times in
which it was made), it is a faithful adaptation of Stoker's story, and
brings images to the screen, the likes of which at the time, had never
before been seen. And although by today's standards much of it may seem
relatively tame, there is an innate sense of the sinister about it that is
timeless. For the same elements that so unnerved audiences in 1922 when it
was released, are equally discomfiting now, most of which is courtesy of Max
Schreck, who portrayed Count Orlok.
It was the first screen appearance for what is now the most famous vampire
in history, and the German character actor Schreck brought an eerie presence
to the role that has never been equaled. Bela Lugosi may be considered the
definitive Dracula-- his portrayal is certainly the most well known-- but
even he could not match the sense of evil that Schreck brought to the
character. The scene in which Schreck's shadow is cast on the wall as he
slowly negotiates a staircase, emphasizing his misshapen head and elongated
fingers and nails, is an image that leaves an indelible impression on the
memory, as does Schreck's overall appearance: Lanky, though slightly
stooped, with oversized, pointed ears and haunted, sunken eyes. It was
Schreck's greatest screen role, and had it not been for a lawsuit by
Stoker's estate that prevented wide distribution of the film, it would no
doubt have made him a star.
The supporting cast includes John gottowt, Alexander Granach, Wolfgang
Heinz, Max Nemetz, Gustav von Wangenheim, Ruth Landshoff and Greta Schroder.
An air of mystery surrounded the set during the filming of `Nosferatu' that
became something of a myth, which began with the fact that Schreck, a method
actor, was never seen by cast nor crew without his makeup and in character.
And it was further perpetuated when it may have been implied by Murnau that
Schreck was actually a vampire playing an actor playing a vampire, all of
which goes a long way toward proving that `hype' is nothing new to the
entertainment industry. One of the three most highly regarded German
directors of the times, Murnau, whose philosophy was that `nothing existed
beyond the frame,' directed a number of films, but none achieved the lasting
notoriety of `Nosferatu.' For film buffs everywhere, as well as aficionados
of silent pictures, this film is a must-see, and a perfect companion piece
to the recently released (2000) `Shadow of the Vampire,' the film by E.
Elias Merhige that chronicles the making of `Nosferatu.' A comparatively
short film-- the restored DVD version runs 81 minutes, the video, 63
minutes-- it will nevertheless provide an entertaining and memorable
cinematic experience. This is an example of not only the magic, but the
magic at the very core of the movies. I rate this one
10/10.
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