Tuesday, October 17, 2017

OVERLOOKED FILM: NOSFERATU (1922)

Halloween is two weeks away, so it's a good time to look at this classic take on Dracula.  For me, Max Schreck is the greatest vampire in cinematic history -- his portrayal sparked rumors that he was a real vampire, something that formed the basis of  2000's Shadow of the Vampire with Willem Defoe.  In reality, Schreck (the word means "terror" in German) was a successful stage actor in Germany who drifted into silent films and survived the advent of talkies until his death in 1936.  Schreck was well-known for his innovative use of costume and make-up.

A surprising number of people have never seen Nosferatu.  It is one of the best films ever made and is a striking example of German expressionism in silent film.  This print has the added benefit of a great score.

Enjoy.  Or shiver.  Or both.

https://archive.org/details/Nosferatu1922

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