Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror remains a landmark achievement in cinema, but its legacy is intertwined with controversy. This 1922 silent film, directed by F.W. Murnau, was embroiled in legal battles after its debut due to its unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Beyond copyright infringement, the film sparked debate with its unsettling imagery and potential antisemitic undertones, raising questions about artistic freedom and social responsibility in a turbulent era1.
The film’s enduring fascination stems from its ability to tap into primal fears while reflecting the anxieties of post-war Germany. Nosferatu transcends a simple monster movie, becoming a cultural artifact that continues to generate discussion a century after its release. As one analysis states, it is “a testament to the continuing power of experimental filmmaking and a reminder of the boundless potential of cinema.” 3
An Unauthorized Adaptation
One of the primary reasons for Nosferatu’s controversial status is its blatant adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula without obtaining proper rights. The filmmakers, hoping to circumvent legal issues, changed character names and altered some plot details. Count Dracula became the monstrous Count Orlok, Mina Harker became Ellen, and the famed vampire hunter Van Helsing was transformed into the skeptical Dr. Bulwer. Even the setting shifted from the bustling streets of Victorian London to the German town of Wisborg4.
The filmmakers even chose the word “Nosferatu“ for the title, a term that had been used by Western European writers, including Bram Stoker, to denote “vampire.” However, the word’s actual origins and meaning remain unclear6.
Despite these efforts, the similarities to Stoker’s novel were undeniable. Bram Stoker’s widow, Florence Stoker, sued for copyright infringement and won. The court ordered the destruction of all copies of the film, a ruling that nearly led to Nosferatu’s extinction7. The legal battle had severe consequences, bankrupting the production company, Prana Film, and leaving Nosferatu as their sole cinematic creation2.
Ironically, this legal battle and the near-destruction of the film contributed to its notoriety and cult status. Surviving prints circulated underground, adding to its mystique and ensuring its survival as a classic. As one online forum noted, “Nosferatu (1922) nearly became a lost film after Dracula author Bram Stoker’s heirs sued over copyright violation and a court ruling ordered that all copies of the film be destroyed.” 9 The film’s resilience in the face of censorship only added to its legend10.
A Monstrous Vision
Nosferatu deviated significantly from the suave and seductive vampire archetype established by Dracula. Count Orlok, portrayed by Max Schreck, is a grotesque figure with a bald head, pointed ears, and long, claw-like fingers1.
This monstrous depiction, a departure from the source material, tapped into deep-seated fears and anxieties. Orlok’s appearance has been likened to a rat or a plague carrier, reflecting the societal anxieties of a nation grappling with disease and economic hardship11.
The film’s visual style, rooted in German Expressionism, further amplified the sense of unease. Exaggerated shadows, distorted sets, and unsettling camera angles created a nightmarish atmosphere that heightened the horror12. As one film analysis explains, “The director, F.W. Murnau, does not fully dip into the extreme settings and costumes of the German Expressionism style for the majority of Nosferatu, in order to make the presence of Count Orlok’s residence, and in particular his frightful appearance, all the more prominent.” 13
Antisemitic Undertones
Adding to the controversy are the potential antisemitic undertones present in the film. Count Orlok’s physical appearance, with his hooked nose and gaunt features, has been compared to antisemitic caricatures prevalent in 1920s Germany11.
Furthermore, Orlok’s arrival in Wisborg coincides with an outbreak of the plague, carried by rats that accompany him. This association of a foreign entity with disease and destruction could be interpreted as playing on xenophobic and antisemitic sentiments11.
However, some argue that Nosferatu can also be read as a critique of antisemitism. The film depicts the persecution of the estate agent, Knock, who is played by a Jewish actor, Alexander Granach. Knock becomes a scapegoat for the town’s suffering, mirroring the real-life persecution faced by Jewish communities in Germany14.
The film’s portrayal of antisemitism remains ambiguous and open to interpretation. While Orlok’s appearance and actions might align with harmful stereotypes, the persecution of Knock could be seen as a commentary on the scapegoating of Jewish people. This ambiguity reflects the complex and often contradictory social attitudes present in Germany during this period11.
Reflecting a Troubled Time
Nosferatu emerged during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Germany. The Weimar Republic, established after World War I, faced economic instability, political extremism, and social unrest15. The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to economic hardship and widespread resentment15. As described in one historical account, “The Weimar Republic… endured punishing levels of inflation.” 16
This period also saw a cultural explosion in Germany. The Weimar Constitution granted freedom of speech, allowing artists to express themselves without the restrictions of the previous regime17. This newfound freedom fueled artistic movements like German Expressionism, which sought to capture the anxieties and uncertainties of the era.
The film’s themes of fear, disease, and societal breakdown resonated with the anxieties of the time. The plague that ravages Wisborg mirrored the real-life epidemics and economic hardships plaguing Germany18. Moreover, the film’s exploration of the “other” and the fear of outsiders reflected the growing nationalism and xenophobia in post-war Germany11.
Murnau’s Artistic Vision
F.W. Murnau, a prominent figure in German Expressionism, sought to create a film that transcended the limitations of silent cinema. He utilized innovative techniques, such as location shooting and natural lighting, to create a unique visual style12. Unlike many Expressionist films that relied on artificial sets and studio lighting, Murnau embraced authentic locations. “The settings are chiefly authentic: the ferocious landscape of the Carpathian mountains, the narrow streets and closely packed houses of a small town of the Baltic,” one analysis notes19.
Murnau’s artistic intentions with Nosferatu remain a subject of debate. Some argue that he aimed to create a purely atmospheric horror film, while others suggest that he intended to explore deeper themes of social and psychological anxieties20. One film enthusiast, reflecting on Murnau’s style, observed that “silent filmmaking was coming to a point whereby it managed to become a perfect art form – having established a wide range of styles and effects within the restraints of silent and black/white filmmaking.” 20
Regardless of his specific intentions, Murnau’s masterful use of cinematic language and his ability to evoke a sense of dread solidified Nosferatu’s place as a masterpiece of horror cinema13. He employed innovative techniques, such as flipping the film negative to create a distorted, otherworldly effect during the carriage ride to Orlok’s castle13.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the controversies, Nosferatu has had a profound impact on vampire films and horror cinema as a whole. The film established many of the tropes associated with vampires, including their vulnerability to sunlight, their association with rats and disease, and their predatory nature6.
Nosferatu’s influence can be seen in countless films, from the classic Universal horror films of the 1930s to modern reimaginings of the vampire myth. Its unique visual style and unsettling atmosphere continue to inspire filmmakers today3. Even Tod Browning’s iconic Dracula (1931), starring Bela Lugosi, drew inspiration from Murnau’s film. As one analysis points out, “Producer Carl Laemmle, Jr., had said that inspiration for Dracula came from his viewing of Nosferatu, and the influence of German Expressionism’s visual style and poeticism can be seen in Dracula.” 22
Murnau’s influence extends beyond visual style. He was a master of pacing and cadence, creating a rhythm within his scenes that heightened the tension and suspense. “He is even known to film to a metronome in order to keep the specific pace of the action in his actors,” one analysis notes22. This attention to rhythm and pacing influenced not only the visual style but also the dialogue and overall tone of later horror films.
Conclusion
Nosferatu remains a controversial film due to its unauthorized adaptation of Dracula, its unsettling imagery, and its potential antisemitic undertones. However, these controversies are intertwined with the film’s artistic brilliance and its reflection of a turbulent era in German history1.
Nosferatu is more than just a horror film; it is a cultural artifact that continues to fascinate and provoke discussion. Its enduring legacy lies not only in its ability to tap into primal fears and explore complex social issues but also in its groundbreaking cinematic techniques. The very elements that sparked controversy—the unauthorized adaptation, the monstrous imagery, and the reflection of social anxieties—are also what contribute to the film’s lasting power and its continued relevance today3.
Works Cited
1. Why the Original ‘Nosferatu’ Was So Controversial – MovieWeb, accessed January 21, 2025, https://movieweb.com/original-nosferatu-controversial-explained/
2. Can anyone explain me Nosferatu in relationship to Dracula? : r/blankies – Reddit, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/comments/1dlsnpc/can_anyone_explain_me_nosferatu_in_relationship/
3. The Legacy of Nosferatu in the Horror Film Genre – Monarch Studios, accessed January 21, 2025, https://monarchstudiosla.com/the-legacy-of-nosferatu-in-the-horror-film-genre/
4. Why Director Robert Eggers Used Nosferatu Instead Of Dracula For His Horror Movie, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.slashfilm.com/1748588/why-director-robert-eggers-used-nosferatu-instead-dracula-horror-movie/
5. Dracula vs. Nosferatu: A True Copyright Horror Story – Plagiarism Today, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2011/10/17/dracula-vs-nosferatu-a-true-copyright-horror-story/
6. How ‘Nosferatu’ Reinvented the Vampire | HISTORY, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.history.com/news/vampire-nosferatu-dracula
7. Why Nosferatu Is the Most Famous Illegal Film Ever Made – CBR, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.cbr.com/nosferatu-1922-illegal-film/
8. How the Classic Vampire Movie ‘Nosferatu’ Cheated Court-Ordered Death – Mental Floss, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/how-nosferatu-vampire-movie-went-worldwide
9. Nosferatu (1922) nearly became a lost film after Dracula author Bram Stoker’s heirs sued over copyright violation and a court ruling ordered that all copies of the film be destroyed – Reddit, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/silentmoviegifs/comments/9t0aka/nosferatu_1922_nearly_became_a_lost_film_after/
10. A Court Ordered the Destruction of Every Copy of the Original ‘Nosferatu’ — Here’s How the Horror Masterpiece Survived – Collider, accessed January 21, 2025, https://collider.com/nosferatu-movie-copyright-infringment/
11. Nosferatu – Wikipedia, accessed January 21, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosferatu
12. The Controversial Legacy of “Nosferatu” – YouTube, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwJng7L6Ggs
13. Nosferatu: A Study of German Expressionism – a gibelwho production, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.gibelwho.com/home/nosferatu-a-study-of-german-expressionism
14. ‘Nosferatu’ 100 years later: Plagues, politics, sex and vampires – People’s World, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/nosferatu-100-years-later-plagues-politics-sex-and-vampires/
15. 1922 in Germany – Wikipedia, accessed January 21, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1922_in_Germany
16. Weimar culture – Wikipedia, accessed January 21, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weimar_culture
17. Cultural Changes in the Weimar Republic (Edexcel GCSE History) – Save My Exams, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.savemyexams.com/gcse/history/edexcel/18/revision-notes/weimar-and-nazi-germany-1918-1939/the-golden-age-of-weimar-germany/cultural-changes-in-the-weimar-republic/
18. The Weimar Republic – The Holocaust Explained: Designed for schools, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/the-nazi-rise-to-power/the-weimar-republic/
19. Shadow and substance: F. W. Murnau’s Nosferatu | Sight and Sound – BFI, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/features/shadow-substance-f-w-murnaus-nosferatu
20. Nosferatu (F.W. Murnau, 1922) – simoncolumb.com, accessed January 21, 2025, https://simoncolumb.com/2011/07/28/nosferatu-f-w-murnau-1922/
21. www.history.com, accessed January 21, 2025, https://www.history.com/news/vampire-nosferatu-dracula#:~:text=Although%20Nosferatu%20became%20caught%20up,appear%20at%20all%20in%20Dracula.
22. Analysis: The Influence of Nosferatu | Pillar Collective – WordPress.com, accessed January 21, 2025, https://pillarcollective.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/analysis-the-influence-of-nosferatu/