The original Dracula movie in 1922 was Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, a German Expressionist silent film directed by F.W. Murnau1. This unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula transformed the familiar tale of the Transylvanian count into a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience4. More than just a horror film, Nosferatu is a masterpiece of visual storytelling, a reflection of the anxieties of post-war Germany, and a film that continues to shape our understanding of vampires today2.
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Shadows and Dread
While many know the story of Dracula, the suave Transylvanian count who seduces and preys upon innocent victims, Nosferatu offers a different, more monstrous vision of the vampire2. Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok is both chilling and otherworldly, with his bald head, pointed ears, and long, claw-like fingers1. Unlike later depictions of Dracula, Orlok is less a charismatic seducer and more a creature of shadow and pestilence, bringing death and disease wherever he goes5.
This starkly different portrayal of the vampire was partly due to the vision of the film’s producer and production designer, Albin Grau6. Grau, a key figure in the German Expressionist movement, had a deep interest in the occult and saw the vampire as a potent symbol of the dark forces that lurk beneath the surface of reality7. His influence on the film’s visual style is evident in the stark contrasts between light and shadow, the exaggerated sets, and the unsettling makeup and costume design that transformed Max Schreck into the monstrous Count Orlok7.
The film’s director, F.W. Murnau, was a master of German Expressionism, a cinematic movement that used stylized visuals and exaggerated acting to convey emotions and create a sense of unease8. In Nosferatu, Murnau uses this style to masterful effect, creating a world of shadows and dread where the vampire’s presence is felt even when he is not seen8. The film’s use of location shooting, innovative special effects, and evocative imagery helped to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience6.
The Story: From Transylvania to Wisborg
Nosferatu closely follows the plot of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but with some key changes that contribute to its unique atmosphere and themes9. The names of the characters are different, and the setting is moved from England to Germany, a decision that may have been motivated by a desire to avoid copyright infringement or to make the story more relatable to German audiences10.
The story begins with Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim), a young real estate agent who is sent to Transylvania to meet with Count Orlok (Max Schreck), a potential client who wants to purchase a house in the German town of Wisborg8. Hutter’s journey to Orlok’s castle is fraught with ominous warnings and strange encounters11. When he finally arrives at the castle, he is disturbed by Orlok’s appearance and behavior1.
In a pivotal scene, Hutter enters Orlok’s room to discuss the sale of the house1. He finds the Count asleep and tries to wake him, but to no avail1. When Orlok finally awakens, Hutter is shocked by his appearance: tall and thin with long, white hair, sunken eyes, and disturbingly long fingernails1. Orlok’s monstrous visage is a far cry from the suave and sophisticated Dracula of the novel, and this initial encounter sets the tone for the film’s unsettling portrayal of the vampire1.
Hutter soon realizes that Orlok is a vampire, but he is trapped in the castle with no way to escape11. Meanwhile, Hutter’s wife, Ellen (Greta Schröder), senses that something is wrong11. She is plagued by nightmares and visions of Orlok, who is making his way to Wisborg by ship11. As Orlok travels, he brings with him a plague that spreads throughout the town, carried by the rats that infest his coffins11.
The plague in Nosferatu is not just a physical threat, but also a symbol of the social and political turmoil that Germany was experiencing in the aftermath of World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic12. The film reflects the anxieties of a nation struggling to recover from war, economic hardship, and the devastating impact of disease7. The imagery of the plague-ridden town, with its empty streets and processions of coffins, is both haunting and deeply resonant with the historical context of the film12.
Hutter eventually escapes from the castle and races back to Wisborg to warn his wife and the townspeople about the vampire11. However, Orlok has already arrived, and he begins to prey upon the town’s inhabitants11.
The Power of Shadows: Visuals and Special Effects
Nosferatu is a visual masterpiece, and its use of shadows and special effects is particularly noteworthy13. Murnau and his cinematographers, Fritz Arno Wagner and Günther Krampf, used a variety of techniques to create a sense of unease and dread, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in early cinema6.
One of the most iconic images in the film is Orlok’s shadow, which seems to have a life of its own2. In one chilling scene, Orlok’s shadow creeps up a staircase and enters Ellen’s bedroom, even though Orlok himself is not physically present13. This effect was achieved through a combination of in-camera trickery and clever editing, showcasing Murnau’s innovative approach to filmmaking13.
Murnau also used stop-motion animation to create some of the film’s most memorable moments7. In one scene, Orlok rises from his coffin in a jerky, unnatural way, emphasizing his otherworldly nature7. This technique, combined with Schreck’s unsettling performance, helped to solidify Orlok’s image as a truly monstrous and terrifying creature.
Filming Nosferatu presented a number of challenges for Murnau and his team14. They filmed on location in various German towns and landscapes, capturing the eerie beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and the medieval architecture of Wisborg14. This commitment to realism, combined with the stylized elements of German Expressionism, created a unique visual tapestry that blended the familiar with the uncanny14.
Another challenge was the use of innovative special effects, many of which were groundbreaking for the time15. Murnau meticulously planned each shot, using storyboards and a metronome to control the pace of the acting and create the desired atmosphere15. He also experimented with different film speeds and techniques like negative film to create unsettling and otherworldly effects14.
It’s also worth noting that the original release of Nosferatu was color-tinted, with blue hues used for night scenes and sepia tones for daytime sequences6. This technique, common in silent films, added another layer of visual depth and atmosphere to the film, further enhancing its dreamlike and unsettling quality.
A Legacy of Horror: Nosferatu’s Influence
Nosferatu has had a profound influence on vampire movies and horror cinema in general13. The film’s iconic imagery, its exploration of themes of fear and contagion, and its innovative use of special effects have all been imitated and reinterpreted in countless films, shaping the way we portray and perceive vampires on screen13.
One of the most significant contributions of Nosferatu to vampire lore is the idea that sunlight is fatal to vampires2. This concept was not present in Bram Stoker’s novel, but it has become a staple of vampire mythology thanks to Nosferatu2. This change, along with Orlok’s monstrous appearance, helped to establish a new archetype for the vampire, one that emphasized its monstrous and predatory nature.
Nosferatu’s Influence on Specific Films and Directors
The film’s influence can be seen in a wide range of films, from classic horror movies like Salem’s Lot to modern vampire comedies like What We Do in the Shadows2. Even the animated children’s show SpongeBob SquarePants has paid homage to Nosferatu2.
- Salem’s Lot (1979): This TV miniseries, based on the Stephen King novel, features a vampire named Kurt Barlow who bears a striking resemblance to Count Orlok. Both Barlow and Orlok are depicted as gaunt, pale creatures with long fingernails and a predatory gaze.
- What We Do in the Shadows (2014): This mockumentary about a group of vampires living in New Zealand includes a character named Petyr who is clearly inspired by Orlok. Petyr is an ancient, Nosferatu-like vampire who lives in a dark basement and rarely interacts with the other vampires.
- Shadow of the Vampire (2000): This film takes a meta approach to Nosferatu, imagining that Max Schreck was actually a real vampire hired by F.W. Murnau to play the role of Count Orlok. Willem Dafoe’s performance as Schreck/Orlok is a chilling tribute to the original film.
Nosferatu has also influenced the work of specific directors, such as:
- Werner Herzog: Herzog directed a remake of Nosferatu in 1979 titled Nosferatu the Vampyre. Herzog’s film is a more faithful adaptation of Stoker’s novel, but it retains the visual style and atmosphere of the original Nosferatu.
- Tim Burton: Burton’s films often feature gothic imagery and characters that are reminiscent of Nosferatu. For example, the Penguin in Batman Returns (1992) is named Max Shreck as a tribute to the actor who played Orlok.
Production and Legacy
The production of Nosferatu was not without its challenges14. Beyond the technical hurdles of filming on location and creating innovative special effects, the filmmakers also faced a legal battle with Bram Stoker’s widow, Florence Stoker6. She sued for copyright infringement, and a court ordered that all copies of the film be destroyed6.
Despite this setback, Nosferatu survived6. A few prints of the film had already been distributed internationally, and these copies were eventually used to restore the film to its former glory6. This legal battle is a testament to the film’s power and its enduring legacy.
The film was initially met with mixed reviews, with some critics finding it too disturbing or slow-paced4. However, over time, Nosferatu has been recognized as a masterpiece of cinema13. It is now considered one of the most influential horror films ever made, and its impact on vampire lore and popular culture is undeniable13.
Conclusion: An Enduring Masterpiece
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror remains a powerful and influential film nearly a century after its release13. Its unique vision of the vampire, its innovative use of visuals and special effects, and its exploration of timeless themes have made it a classic of horror cinema13. While it may not be the first Dracula movie, it is arguably the most iconic and influential, shaping the way we portray and perceive vampires on screen13.
What strikes me most about Nosferatu is its ability to transcend its historical context and continue to resonate with audiences today. The film’s themes of fear, contagion, and the Other are as relevant now as they were in 1922. In a world grappling with pandemics, social unrest, and political uncertainty, Nosferatu serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most seemingly ordinary lives.
The film’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of cinema to capture our deepest fears and anxieties. Nosferatu is not just a horror film; it is a work of art that continues to fascinate and terrify audiences with its haunting imagery, its unsettling atmosphere, and its timeless exploration of the human condition.
Works Cited
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2. How ‘Nosferatu’ Reinvented the Vampire | HISTORY, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.history.com/news/vampire-nosferatu-dracula
3. Nosferatu – Wikipedia, accessed January 27, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosferatu
4. Nosferatu movie review & film summary (2024) – Roger Ebert, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/nosferatu
5. The Deadly Plague of NOSFERATU Explained – YouTube, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRkdCnflgwY
6. Nosferatu (1922 film) | Cast, 2024 Remake, & Vampire Movie | Britannica, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nosferatu-film-by-Murnau-1922
7. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922), accessed January 27, 2025, https://horrorfilmhistory.com/wp/nosferatu-1922/
8. The Haunting History Behind Nosferatu | SYFY WIRE, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-haunting-history-behind-nosferatu
9. Can anyone explain me Nosferatu in relationship to Dracula? : r/blankies – Reddit, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/comments/1dlsnpc/can_anyone_explain_me_nosferatu_in_relationship/
10. Everything You Need to Know About the Original Nosferatu: A Berlin-Rooted Symphony of Horror, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.toursofberlin.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-original-nosferatu-a-berlin-rooted-symphony-of-horror
11. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) – Plot – IMDb, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013442/plotsummary/
12. Halloween Horror: Spectres of Plague and Death in Murnau’s Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) – 3 Brothers Film, accessed January 27, 2025, https://3brothersfilm.com/blog/2022/10/26/spectres-of-plague-and-death-in-murnaus-nosferatu-a-symphony-of-horror-1922
13. Nosferatu At 100: The Genesis Of Horror – The Indiependent, accessed January 27, 2025, https://www.indiependent.co.uk/nosferatu-100-genesis-of-horror/
14. “Nosferatu”: A Century of Esotericism and Terror – el Hype, accessed January 27, 2025, https://elhype.com/en/nosferatu-esotericism-and-terror/
15. The Destruction of Nosferatu – Rosenbach Museum, accessed January 27, 2025, https://rosenbach.org/blog/the-destruction-of-nosferatu/