Yes, Nosferatu (1922) can still be considered scary, even by today’s standards. While it may not rely on the jump scares and gore common in modern horror, its eerie atmosphere, unsettling imagery, and masterful use of shadows create a lingering sense of dread that continues to haunt viewers a century after its release1. This enduring power stems from several factors, including its groundbreaking visual style, its iconic portrayal of the vampire Count Orlok (whose name, “Nosferatu,” translates to “undead” in Romanian 3), and its reflection of societal anxieties of the time1. Nosferatu, an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, emerged from the German Expressionist movement, which emphasized exaggerated visuals and distorted perspectives to convey inner turmoil and psychological states4. The film’s director, F.W. Murnau, masterfully employed these techniques to create a world of shadows and unsettling imagery that remains deeply effective5.
The Unsettling Power of German Expressionism
Nosferatu stands out for its striking visuals, a hallmark of German Expressionism. The film utilizes stark contrasts between light and shadow, distorted sets, and unsettling camera angles to create a nightmarish atmosphere4. This distinctive style is evident in scenes like the one where Count Orlok slowly walks through a doorway, his elongated shadow emphasizing his otherworldly presence6. The film’s use of real locations, such as the vast and empty castle, further enhances its unsettling realism1. Some versions of the film even utilize colored filters to differentiate between day and night, adding another layer of visual intrigue7. Imagine watching this film with a live pianist providing the score, as some viewers were fortunate enough to experience2! The combination of live music and expressive visuals would undoubtedly heighten the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Count Orlok: A Vampire Unlike Any Other
Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok is a significant factor in the film’s enduring scare factor. Unlike the suave and seductive vampires of later films, Orlok is a grotesque figure with pointed ears, long claws, and a haunting, skeletal appearance1. Schreck’s physical performance, combined with Murnau’s direction, creates a truly terrifying and unforgettable villain1. His movements are stiff and unnatural, as if he is not entirely comfortable in his own skin, adding to the sense of unease2. One reviewer even described his movements as reminiscent of “rigor mortis.” 2 This unsettling portrayal of the vampire as a creature of decay and disease sets Nosferatu apart from later, more romanticized depictions.
Nosferatu and the Fears of a Generation
Nosferatu reflects the anxieties of post-World War I Germany, a society grappling with economic hardship, political instability, and the trauma of war4. The film’s depiction of plague and death resonated with audiences who had recently experienced the devastating influenza pandemic4. The film even shows scenes of people being terrified of the disease and being told to stay inside, mirroring the social distancing measures taken during the pandemic4. The vampire, as an outsider bringing disease and death, can be seen as a metaphor for the societal fears and uncertainties of the time9.
This concept of “othering” is central to the film’s horror. The vampire, with his grotesque appearance and foreign origins, embodies the anxieties of a society grappling with change and instability9. Some scholars even interpret Count Orlok as a representation of antisemitic stereotypes prevalent in Germany at the time, with his physical characteristics and association with plague echoing harmful prejudices9. Others see the vampire as a metaphor for the trauma of World War I, with his name, Orlok, resembling the Dutch word for “war” and the plague symbolizing the widespread death and destruction of the conflict9.
The film also delves into occult ideas and symbolism3. The production company behind Nosferatu, Prana-Films, was founded by occultists who believed that ancient wisdom could provide answers to the societal problems of the time3. This interest in the occult is reflected in the film’s imagery and symbolism, with Count Orlok representing the primal forces of sex and death that both drive and constrain human nature3.
Nosferatu vs. Modern Horror
Compared to modern horror films, Nosferatu relies more on atmosphere and suggestion than on explicit violence or jump scares1. While modern horror often focuses on graphic depictions of violence and gore, Nosferatu creates fear through its unsettling visuals, its haunting score, and the slow, creeping dread that permeates the film10. The film’s silent nature also contributes to its eerie atmosphere, as the lack of dialogue forces viewers to focus on the visuals and the expressive acting1.
Nosferatu also differs from many modern horror films in its pacing. While contemporary horror often relies on fast cuts and rapid-fire scares, Nosferatu takes its time to build suspense and atmosphere11. This slower pace allows the film to create a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll.
It’s also important to consider Nosferatu’s place in horror history. The 1920s saw the emergence of several influential horror films, including The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925)12. These films, along with Nosferatu, helped to establish the horror genre and paved the way for the classic monster movies of the 1930s and beyond.
Nosferatu vs. Dracula
While Nosferatu is an adaptation of Dracula, it’s important to recognize the key differences between the two. Nosferatu movies tend to be darker and more somber, with the vampire as a bringer of plague and misfortune13. Dracula films, on the other hand, often lean towards gothic melodrama, with themes of wealth, power, and sexuality13. Nosferatu’s Count Orlok is a grotesque and unsettling figure, while Dracula is often portrayed as more suave and seductive. This distinction highlights the different ways in which the vampire myth can be interpreted and adapted for the screen.
A Haunting Legacy
While some modern viewers may find the film’s pacing slow or its special effects dated, Nosferatu’s influence on the horror genre is undeniable1. Its visual style, its iconic vampire, and its exploration of primal fears have inspired countless horror films that followed5. Even today, the film’s unsettling atmosphere and haunting imagery continue to resonate with audiences, proving that true horror transcends time and technology1.
The film’s legacy is further complicated by its unauthorized adaptation of Dracula14. Bram Stoker’s widow, Florence Stoker, sued the production company and successfully obtained a court order to destroy all copies of the film14. While this order was not fully enforced, it adds to the film’s mystique and its status as a forbidden work.
Nosferatu’s legacy continues into the 21st century with Robert Eggers’ 2024 remake15. While the remake has received positive reviews, with a 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it also highlights the challenges of adapting a classic for a modern audience15. Some viewers found the remake’s pacing slow and its length excessive, while others praised its cinematography and gothic atmosphere15.
Specific Scenes and Dialogue
Several scenes and dialogue in Nosferatu contribute to its scare factor:
| Scene | Description | How it contributes to the scare factor |
|---|---|---|
| The Shadow on the Stairs | Count Orlok’s elongated shadow slowly creeps up the stairs, creating a sense of impending doom8. | This iconic scene masterfully uses shadows and slow movement to build suspense and dread. |
| Orlok Rising from the Coffin | Orlok rises from his coffin in a single, fluid motion, defying gravity and highlighting his unnatural nature1. | This scene emphasizes the vampire’s otherworldly power and his unsettling disregard for the laws of nature. |
| The Ship of Coffins | Orlok travels on a ship filled with coffins, bringing plague and death with him5. | This chilling sequence visualizes the vampire’s power to spread disease and death, tapping into societal anxieties about pandemics and contagion. |
| Ellen’s Sacrifice | Ellen sacrifices herself to distract Orlok, allowing the sun to rise and destroy him11. | This scene is both tragic and terrifying, highlighting the vampire’s predatory nature and the cost of defeating him. |
| The Shadow of Orlok’s Hand | The shadow of Orlok’s hand creeps up Ellen’s nightgown and grabs her breast in a moment of both pain and ecstasy16. | This scene visually captures the vampire’s power to violate and possess, blending sexuality and horror in a deeply unsettling way. |
| Ellen’s Seizure | Ellen falls into a violent seizure on the sand, her body contorting in an unnatural way17. | This scene, while disturbing, also elicited laughter from some viewers, highlighting the film’s ability to evoke a range of emotions17. |
| “What a lovely throat!” | Orlok utters this line when he sees a picture of Ellen, hinting at his dark desires18. | This line is both creepy and suggestive, foreshadowing the vampire’s predatory intentions and adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. |
Conclusion
Nosferatu (1922) remains a landmark achievement in horror cinema. Its unsettling atmosphere, iconic vampire, and exploration of societal fears continue to resonate with audiences today. While it may not rely on the same techniques as modern horror films, its masterful use of visuals and its ability to tap into primal fears ensure its place as a truly scary and enduring classic1.
The film’s unauthorized adaptation of Dracula, the lawsuit that followed, and the court order to destroy all copies only add to its mystique and its enduring power14. Nosferatu’s influence on the horror genre is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike5.
Personally, I find Nosferatu’s scare factor to lie in its ability to create a sense of creeping dread and unease. The film’s visuals, its score, and its pacing all work together to create an atmosphere of impending doom that stays with you long after the film ends. While some may find its special effects dated or its pacing slow, I believe that these elements contribute to the film’s unique and unsettling power. Nosferatu is a film that haunts you, not with jump scares or gore, but with a lingering sense of darkness and dread that speaks to the deepest fears of the human psyche.
Works Cited
1. Nosferatu 1922 Review – Over 100 Years Later, This Vampire Classic Is Still a Terrifying Horror Masterpiece – Collider, accessed February 4, 2025, https://collider.com/nosferatu-1922-review/
2. Nosferatu 1922 thoughts. Your thoughts on this movie? : r/flicks – Reddit, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/flicks/comments/1f3hdqk/nosferatu_1922_thoughts_your_thoughts_on_this/
3. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922), accessed February 4, 2025, https://horrorfilmhistory.com/wp/nosferatu-1922/
4. An investigation into the historical context surrounding Nosferatu (1922) – Film Overload, accessed February 4, 2025, https://film9online.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/an-investigation-into-the-historical-context-surrounding-nosferatu-1922/
5. Nosferatu (1922) Movie Review and Analysis – The Metaplex, accessed February 4, 2025, http://themetaplex.com/reviews/2015/nosferatu-1922-movie-review-and-analysis
6. 9: Power and Sexualization in Nosferatu (1922) — A Film Review | by Fionna C – Medium, accessed February 4, 2025, https://thoughtsbyfionna.medium.com/9-power-and-sexualization-in-nosferatu-1922-a-film-review-249ebb5e38ae
7. Blast From The Past: Nosferatu (1922) Review – 411MANIA, accessed February 4, 2025, https://411mania.com/movies/blast-from-the-past-nosferatu-1922-review/
8. Nosferatu (1922) review – The Official Steve Pulaski Website, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.stevepulaski.com/2024/12/24/nosferatu-1922-review/
9. Nosferatu, Vampires, and Othering | Transnational German Cinema, accessed February 4, 2025, https://blogs.charleston.edu/ltgr270/2020/01/15/nosferatu-vampires-and-othering/
10. Do you think “Nosferatu The Vampire” is better than the original? : r/horror – Reddit, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/84qd00/do_you_think_nosferatu_the_vampire_is_better_than/
11. Nosferatu movie review & film summary (1922) – Roger Ebert, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-nosferatu-1922
12. www.google.com, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.google.com/search?q=horror+films+of+the+1920s
13. What does it mean to remake Nosferatu instead of simply Dracula? – CrimeReads, accessed February 4, 2025, https://crimereads.com/nosferatu/
14. How ‘Nosferatu’ Reinvented the Vampire | HISTORY, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.history.com/news/vampire-nosferatu-dracula
15. Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu Movie Sets Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Record For The Vampire Adaptation – Screen Rant, accessed February 4, 2025, https://screenrant.com/nosferatu-2024-movie-rotten-tomatoes-audience-score/
16. Favorite Scenes No.1: Nosferatu : r/TrueFilm – Reddit, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/hf921c/favorite_scenes_no1_nosferatu/
17. Audience at Nosferatu : r/roberteggers – Reddit, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/roberteggers/comments/1hr8ryq/audience_at_nosferatu/
18. Nosferatu (1922) – The Movie Screen Scene – WordPress.com, accessed February 4, 2025, https://themoviescreenscene.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/nosferatu-1922/