PopHorror Let's Get Scared
When it comes to vampire movies, there are none better than Nosferatu (1922). In fact, Nosferatu is my favorite vampire film. It’s dark and gothic, and Max Schreck (The Street 1923) is absolutely fantastic.
But not much was known about the production of the film. Rumors circulated about Schreck really being a vampire onset. Other than that, however, the film remained a mystery… until the year 2000.
Released on January 26, 2000, Shadow of the Vampire was directed by E. Elias Merhige (Suspect Zero 2004). The film stars John Malkovich (Of Mice and Men 1992) and Willem Dafoe (Spider–Man 2002). Shadow of the Vampire is a film about filmmaking, more specifically the making of Nosferatu.
With a budget of $8 million, the movie only made $11.2 million at the box office. However, the box office doesn’t speak for the product, because Shadow Of The Vampire is one of my favorite films ever and criminally underrated.
Both Malkovich and Dafoe are perfectly cast for their respective roles. Dafoe as Count Orlok is easily one of his best performances. He comes off as creepy and wildly self-centered while also wrecking havoc on the production, because he really thinks he’s a vampire. Also, the makeup for Dafoe was also very well done and kept the charm of the original Nosferatu.
Malkovich as F.W. Murnau (Faust 1926) is utterly incredible. As the film goes on, you slowly start to see his patience with Schreck wither away. His performance is one for the ages.
My favorite part of the film is watching the production fall apart. Both Murnau and Schreck go against each other for more than half the film, and it’s great to see. The fact that they even got the movie made is a miracle of its own. But even through the turmoil, both actor and director made one of the greatest horror movies ever. It can also be seen as an inspirational film: no matter what happens, the job still gets done.
I wish more people knew about Shadow of the Vampire. It’s an excellent telling of how of one horror’s greatest villains was brought to screen. The film is well acted with two powerhouse leads taking control. If you’re like me and you love Nosferatu, then check out Shadow of the Vampire.
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