Nosferatu, A Symphony of Terror
I think this is one of the most enjoyable movies that have been on the list so far, which is saying a lot because I whine incessantly about silent films. I am an avid fan of the book Dracula by Bram Stoker so I did not know if I would be indignant during this movie or pleased and fortunately it was the latter.
First of all, Max Schreck is one scary looking guy as you can see (wtf is with his fingers?!??!). There is absolutely no dialogue in the book (it is all just letters or journal entries) which I thought was extremely fitting for a silent movie. The lack of dialogue, which is usually my biggest grievance, was actually entertaining, because that is how I pictured it from reading the book. I also thought the soundtrack was the best out of all the films. I think I am the only one who thinks so though because I surfed the web about this movie and everyone else thought it was annoying. I don't really know what that says about me...
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Bram Stoker's estate really did not want this to become a film. It was destroyed but resurfaced in other countries. The director also changed the names of some of the characters and changed the ending so he could say it was not exactly like the book. Kind of a jackass move there, Murnau.
Most of the set is still intact in the village in Germany where it was filmed.
I do not want to ruin the ending for you, but when you do see it, you will be able to recognize a superstition about vampires modern day that they invented.
Here is the complete movie from YouTube. You can watch it right now; it is only 84 minutes.
Max Schreck was awesome! This is still my favorite vampire movie. I also like the music, so an all round hit.
ReplyDeleteThis is great .. not only do we have Rachel getting us to revisit oldies .. but TS.. thank you .. you seem to be starting at the beginning and thus bringing to our attention some gems. It's great to be reminded of this .. Have you seen 'Shadow of a vampire' .. which is about the making of this film, which I think is great.
ReplyDeleteAmanda .. great to see you did enjoy some of the silents...
He he, happy to have started a nostalgia party. I am a sucker for chronology so this is the right place to start for me. I did watch Shadow of a vampire and thought they did an okay job on the Max Schreck character.
DeleteInteresting, TSorensen! I hadn't really thought about what my favorite vampire movie is. Maybe Dracula (1931?)? Not that you even asked...but this would rank pretty high I suppose. I agree Ray! It's fun looking back!
ReplyDeleteMax Schreck was great but I had too hard a time getting over the naff sweetness and the simpering, punch-me face of the hero. Definitely one of those films where I was rooting for the monster.
ReplyDeleteHaha that's great Dessie, I have never heard that before. I suppose he was rather obnoxious.
DeleteI refuse to cheer for a hero who wets the bed
ReplyDelete