Shadow of the Vampire DVD Review

Released in 2000, Shadow of the Vampire toys with the idea that the actor Max Schreck, who portrays the vampire Count Orlok in the 1922 film Nosferatu, is really a vampire. Shadow of the Vampire film returns to that time and restages the filming of Nosferatu. John Malkovich brilliantly plays the role of F.W. Murnau, the German director. In this dark mind-warping but humorous film, Murnau finds Max Schreck (Willem Dafoe) to play Count Orlok. However, Schreck actually is a vampire and begins to stir trouble on the set. Crewmembers wonder about him and get suspicious when people start disappearing. Supposedly, the only reason that Schreck agrees to play the role is a chance to bite the beautiful actress Greta Schroeder (Catherine McCormack). Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Udo Kier (Blood for Dracula) and comedian Eddie Izzard are great in their supporting roles.

Shadow of the Vampire is filmed in parts of the Luxembourg countryside, which adds to the dark melodrama of the film. John Malkovich is delectably twisted as always. However, my kudos go to Willem Dafoe for an entrancingly convincing performance as Count Orlok. He morphs into the character as if he has been a vampire in some other lifetime. Dafoe's makeup is a sight to behold. It makes the character ever more believable. Dafoe deserves his Oscar nomination.

The film's cinematography creates a dark and eerie atmosphere. Night scenes are shot using nothing more than candlelight. The editing creates perfect timing with no long unnecessary shots. Several scenes are powerful and moving. The final scene is a mind-blower and I suggest to be prepared for after-effects. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with Shadow of the Vampire. It is an ingenious tale of "what may have been," as far as the very real rumors surrounding the filming of Nosferatu. Shadow of the Vampire will make you want to watch Nosferatu, which is a great film as well.

The DVD extras include interviews with Willem Dafoe, director E. Elias Merhige and producer Nicolas Cage. The feature commentary by Merhige is definitely worth checking out.

Cast:
John Malkovich - F.W. Murnau
Willem Dafoe - Max Schreck
Udo Kier - Albin Grau
Cary Elwes - Fritz Wagner
Catherine McCormack - Greta Schroeder
Eddie Izzard - Gustav von Wangerhein

Source:

Shadow of the Vampire, Universal Studios DVD, 2001