PopHorror Let's Get Scared
With the Nosferatu buzz going on lately, I want to write about versions that have somewhat changed the mood. My favorite version of this film’s soundtrack was when it was lined up with songs by Type O Negative. At the time, I was a big fan of both aspects. Nosferatu will go on the “Absolutely terrifying” side of my mind. Max Schreck was a pivotal character, he looked as scary as you can imagine.
Maybe it’s because I attach myself sometimes, and this version of the movie kept me focused on character development. I watched it daily to keep my symptoms of mental illness down, it became safe for me, like putting on my favorite movie from one of my favorite bands at the time. Nosferatu in this version with the music was a throw to Pink Floyd and their Wizard of Oz treatment. everything was perfect.
Synopsis
Wisborg, Germany-based estate agent Knock dispatches his associate, Hutter, to Count Orlok’s castle in Transylvania as the Count wants to purchase an isolated house in Wisborg. They plan on selling him the one across the way from Hutter’s own home. Hutter leaves his innocent wife, Ellen, with some friends while he is away. Hutter’s trek is an unusual one, with many locals not wanting to take him near the castle where strange events have been occurring.
Once at the castle, Hutter sells the house to Orlok, but he also notices and feels unusual occurrences, primarily feeling like there is a dark shadow hanging over him, even in daytime when Orlok is usually asleep. Hutter eventually sees the Count’s sleeping chamber in a crypt, and based on a book he has recently read, believes the Count is really a vampire or Nosferatu.
While Hutter is trapped in the castle, the Count, hiding in a shipment of coffins, makes his way to Wisborg, causing death along his way, which most attribute to the plague. Hutter himself tries to rush home to save his town and most importantly save Ellen from Nosferatu’s imminent arrival. In Wisboborg, Ellen can feel the impending darkness as Nosferatu gets closer. But she learns that a sinless woman can sacrifice herself to kill the vampire.
Will Hutter be able to save Ellen, either from Nosferatu and/or her?
My Rundown
Count Orlok already holds nightmare fuel as you look at the movie stills. What is scarier to me is the silence. I can barely make it through the original version. When they added modern music, the silence went away and I could enjoy it. Instead, it was just a creepy film. Nosferatu seemed to come more alive to me and I got over my fear thanks to Type O Negative. The fact makes it creepy on another scale, it becomes spooky. It could easily be a Halloween watch.
While everyone runs to Night of the Living Dead, this is my choice. Count Orlok now lives in my head as a loving memory of finding this movie with my friend. Nosferatu found its way back into my heart and triggered many good memories when I watched it. My friends live across the coast from me, but I grew up with them and after 20 years, they are still my best friends, my first love, and more.
In The End
I couldn’t praise Nosferatu enough. I saw through the veil with some help, and I don’t regret it one bit. As you watch this film, look past the silence and try to line the film with a soundtrack you like. With today’s technology, it may be easier to find this iconic version of an iconic film. Does the remake hold that same scare in the air?
You can find this version by clicking here
