Shadow of the Vampire (2001, DVD)

Shadow of the Vampire is a film based on German director F.W. Murnau's quest to make the ulitimate vampire movie; "Nosferatu". Murnau informs his cast and crew that playing his vampire will be the unknown method actor Max Schreck, who will only be seen to them in full character and costume, and only at night. While shooting in an old castle in Czechoslovakia, Schreck makes his first appearance; terrorizing his fellow actor and making the cameraman sick. What a start. As time goes on, and more cast members go missing, the truth comes out that Max Schreck is a true vampire, centeries old, and to the knowledge of the director Murnau. The film's producer and new cameraman finally drive the truth out of Murnau, which is he struck a deal with the vampire to make the most realistic vampire film ever. All the vampire wants in return is the life of the main actress, Greta Schroder. Shadow of the Vampire is a very authentic looking film, from the amazing sets to the details of using old iris lenses while shooting the "film" scenes. It has great acting and crazy enough some real funny moments, like when Schreck is drinking with a few castmates and pulling an Ozzy and bites the head off a bat. Unexpected from start to finish and quite a bit of fun.

I bought this movie on behalf of my brother. We both like scary movies and vampire are our favorite. This movie was really freaky. They did an interesting take on the making of the silent vampire movie Nosferatu.

In 1922, Friedeich Wilhelm Murnau directed Nosferatu, one of the first, and best retellings of the Dracula story. SOTV asks, and answers the question: "What if Max Schreck, the star of Nosferatu, were a real vampire?" It is mesmerizingly insightful, and playfully humourous. Dafoe and Malkovich play their parts as vampire and director with amazing genius. The viewer arrives at the end of the story trying to decide who is the more twisted and perverse monster. I liked this movie for several reasons: 1) Defoe's identity is completely lost in his portrayal of Schreck... truly remarkable to watch. 2) The interplay between Schreck and the others who are gathered to film Nosferatu is at times a dark comedy... hilariously entertaining. 3) The blending of factual cinematic history with fiction is nothing less than artful. It lends a believability to the story that is both engaging and thought provoking. 4) In an age where digital special effects, mindless sex and violence, and shallow plots make a great deal of money, it's refreshing to see such a well executed, yet simple retelling of an old story. Hats off to producers Nicolas Cage and Jeff Levine. TIP: Watch Nosferatu prior to Shadow of the Vampire. It will increase your appreciation greatly.