The 1922 German Expressionist masterpiece Nosferatu is undeniably a Dracula adaptation, but it’s not called Dracula due to copyright infringement. The filmmakers behind Nosferatu failed to obtain the rights to Bram Stoker’s novel, so they changed the names of the characters and some plot details to avoid legal trouble1. This resulted in a lawsuit that nearly led to the film’s destruction2. However, Nosferatu survived to become one of the most influential horror films of all time, shaping the vampire myth as we know it3.
This unauthorized adaptation offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of horror cinema and the evolution of copyright law4. It also raises questions about artistic license, the nature of adaptation, and the cultural impact of iconic characters like Dracula. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of Nosferatu, explore its differences from Dracula, and examine its lasting legacy.
To answer the question comprehensively, I conducted in-depth research, consulting a variety of sources, including academic articles, film analyses, and historical documents. This research allowed me to explore the legal battles surrounding the film, the cultural and historical context of vampire stories, and the impact of Nosferatu on subsequent vampire adaptations.
Copyright Infringement and Legal Battles
In 1921, Albin Grau, a film producer with a keen interest in the occult, decided to make a vampire film based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula5. Grau, along with businessman Enrico Dieckmann, had founded Prana Film with the intention of producing films that explored occult ideas5. However, when Grau approached Florence Stoker, Bram Stoker’s widow, for the rights to adapt the novel, she refused2.
Undeterred, Grau and his team, including screenwriter Henrik Galeen and director F.W. Murnau, proceeded with their project. They made several changes to the story and character names in an attempt to circumvent copyright law6. Count Dracula was renamed Count Orlok, Jonathan Harker became Thomas Hutter, Mina Harker became Ellen Hutter, and the setting was shifted from Transylvania to the fictional town of Wisborg7.
Despite these alterations, the film’s resemblance to Dracula was undeniable. When Florence Stoker learned of the film, she was furious1. It’s important to note that Florence Stoker relied heavily on the royalties from Dracula after her husband’s death8. Protecting her financial security, and perhaps her late husband’s legacy, motivated her to pursue legal action against Prana Film8. The court ruled in her favor, ordering the destruction of all copies of Nosferatu2. This legal battle nearly led to the film’s extinction, but thankfully, a few copies survived, allowing Nosferatu to endure and eventually gain recognition as a cinematic masterpiece7.
Nosferatu and the Cultural Context of Vampire Stories
Before delving deeper into Nosferatu, it’s crucial to understand the historical and cultural context of vampire stories. The vampire myth has its roots in folklore and ancient beliefs, often associated with disease, death, and the fear of the unknown9.
One particularly interesting aspect of this history is the concept of “medicinal cannibalism.” In the 1700s, human blood was believed to have medicinal properties and was consumed as a cure for various ailments9. This practice, while seemingly gruesome today, reflects the medical understanding of the time and provides a fascinating link to the vampire myth, where the consumption of blood is essential for the vampire’s survival.
The 18th century also saw a surge in vampire myths across Europe, culminating in what historians call the “Great Vampire Epidemic” from 1725 to 175510. This period was marked by widespread disease and social unrest, leading to increased fear and superstition. People sought explanations for the unknown, and vampires became scapegoats for various problems, particularly disease outbreaks10.
Interestingly, some scholars believe that the vampire myth is connected to the disease rabies10. Rabies, transmitted through animal bites, causes symptoms such as hydrophobia (fear of water), sensitivity to light, and aggression, all of which have parallels in vampire lore10.
Nosferatu emerged during a time of similar social and political upheaval in Germany. The country was grappling with the aftermath of World War I, facing economic instability and anxieties about disease and the “Other.” 11 These anxieties are reflected in the film’s themes and imagery, particularly in the depiction of Count Orlok as a plague-carrying creature who brings death and destruction to the town of Wisborg11.
Nosferatu and German Expressionism
Nosferatu is a prime example of German Expressionism, a film movement that emerged in the 1920s12. This movement was characterized by its focus on expressing inner emotions and psychological states through distorted visuals and exaggerated acting12.
The film’s expressionistic style is evident in its use of stark contrasts between light and shadow, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere13. The sets are often minimalist and angular, further enhancing the sense of unease14. Murnau also employs unconventional camera angles and slow, deliberate movements to create a sense of dread and suspense13. Max Schreck’s performance as Count Orlok is another hallmark of the film’s expressionistic style. His exaggerated movements and grotesque appearance contribute to the film’s nightmarish quality13.
Unlike other Expressionist films that relied heavily on studio sets, Nosferatu also incorporated on-location shooting in the Carpathian mountains12. These real-world landscapes, with their dark forests and rugged mountains, add to the film’s visual power and connect it to the aesthetic tradition of German Romanticism12.
Count Orlok vs. Count Dracula: A Tale of Two Vampires
While Nosferatu is clearly inspired by Dracula, there are significant differences between the two vampires. These differences contribute to the unique atmosphere and themes of the film.
In Stoker’s novel, Dracula is portrayed as a sophisticated and charming aristocrat who uses his charisma to seduce his victims7. He is a figure of both attraction and repulsion, embodying the seductive power of the vampire myth.
Count Orlok, on the other hand, is a grotesque, rat-like creature with long, bony fingers, bat-like ears, and a skeletal frame7. He is a far cry from the suave and seductive vampire often depicted in later adaptations. Orlok’s monstrous appearance emphasizes the film’s focus on the abject and the horrifying, creating a sense of dread and revulsion.
Another key difference lies in their powers and weaknesses. In Nosferatu, Count Orlok is fatally vulnerable to sunlight15. This vulnerability, not present in Stoker’s novel, where sunlight merely weakens Dracula, adds a new dimension to the vampire myth and has become a staple in many subsequent vampire stories16.
Furthermore, Nosferatu deviates from the source material in several plot details. Unlike Dracula, who travels to London, Count Orlok travels to the fictional German town of Wisborg, bringing with him a ship full of plague-ridden rats9. This change in setting and the addition of the plague element further emphasize the film’s engagement with the anxieties of the time, particularly the fear of disease and invasion.
| Feature | Dracula | Count Orlok |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Sophisticated, charming | Grotesque, rat-like |
| Personality | Charismatic, manipulative | Straightforward predator |
| Vulnerability to sunlight | Weakened by it | Killed by it |
| Creation of new vampires | Turns victims into vampires | Kills victims |
It’s also worth noting that the word “nosferatu” itself has a connection to the wider vampire genre. While often used as a synonym for “vampire,” it is derived from the Romanian word “nesuferitu,” meaning “the offensive one” or “the insufferable one.” 17 This etymology adds another layer of meaning to the film’s title, highlighting the monstrous and repulsive nature of Count Orlok.
Antisemitic Undertones in Nosferatu
While Nosferatu is a cinematic masterpiece, it’s important to acknowledge the possible antisemitic undertones present in the film. These undertones, while likely unintentional, reflect the prejudices of the time and warrant careful consideration.
Count Orlok’s physical appearance, with his hooked nose, long claw-like fingernails, and bald head, has been compared to stereotypical caricatures of Jewish people18. Similarly, the character of Knock, Orlok’s accomplice, is a Jewish realtor who exhibits traits often associated with antisemitic stereotypes18.
These portrayals, while disturbing, provide an opportunity to reflect on the historical context of the film and the persistence of harmful stereotypes. It’s crucial to approach these issues with sensitivity and to use them as a starting point for critical discussion and analysis.
The Legacy of Nosferatu
Despite its troubled beginnings and controversial elements, Nosferatu has had a profound and lasting impact on vampire films and literature3. The film’s iconic imagery, including Count Orlok’s shadow creeping up the stairs and his demise in the sunlight, has become ingrained in popular culture13.
Nosferatu helped to solidify the vampire’s status as a cinematic monster19. While previous adaptations had often portrayed vampires as charming and seductive, Nosferatu presented a truly terrifying creature, paving the way for future depictions of vampires as monstrous beings19.
The film’s influence can be seen in countless vampire films, from Werner Herzog’s 1979 remake Nosferatu the Vampyre to the TV miniseries Salem’s Lot, which features a vampire named Barlow who bears a striking resemblance to Count Orlok19. Even modern vampire stories, such as What We Do in the Shadows and Shadow of the Vampire, pay homage to Nosferatu15.
The film’s influence extends beyond the horror genre. Director Tim Burton, known for his gothic aesthetic and use of shadows, has cited Nosferatu as an inspiration13. In his film Batman Returns, he even included a character named Max Shreck, a clear homage to Max Schreck, the actor who portrayed Count Orlok13.
Conclusion
Nosferatu stands as a testament to the enduring power of the vampire myth and the creative possibilities of adaptation. While the film’s creators may have initially sought to avoid copyright infringement, they inadvertently created a unique and influential work of horror cinema. Nosferatu not only shaped the way vampires are portrayed on screen but also contributed to the evolution of horror filmmaking itself.
The film’s legal battles with the Stoker estate highlight the complex relationship between copyright and artistic freedom. While copyright law is essential for protecting intellectual property, it can also stifle creativity and limit the potential for adaptation and reinterpretation. Nosferatu serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing these competing interests.
Furthermore, the film’s unique portrayal of the vampire myth, with its emphasis on the monstrous and the abject, continues to resonate with audiences today. Nosferatu taps into our primal fears of disease, death, and the unknown, offering a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Its legacy continues to inspire and terrify audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of horror and the timeless appeal of the vampire myth.
Works Cited
1. Why Director Robert Eggers Used Nosferatu Instead Of Dracula For His Horror Movie, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.slashfilm.com/1748588/why-director-robert-eggers-used-nosferatu-instead-dracula-horror-movie/
2. Why Nosferatu Was Banned & Almost Disappeared Completely (& Why Robert Eggers’ Remake Is Happening Now) – Screen Rant, accessed February 4, 2025, https://screenrant.com/why-nosferatu-banned-dracula-robert-eggers-remake/
3. The Legacy of Nosferatu in the Horror Film Genre – Monarch Studios – Photo & Video Shoot Location Rentals in Los Angeles, accessed February 4, 2025, https://monarchstudiosla.com/the-legacy-of-nosferatu-in-the-horror-film-genre/
4. How Dracula’s Lawsuit Against Nosferatu Helped Create the Modern Vampire – CBR, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.cbr.com/dracula-nosferatu-lawsuit-created-modern-vampire-lore/
5. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922), accessed February 4, 2025, https://horrorfilmhistory.com/wp/nosferatu-1922/
6. How the Classic Vampire Movie ‘Nosferatu’ Cheated Court-Ordered Death – Mental Floss, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/how-nosferatu-vampire-movie-went-worldwide
7. Dracula vs. Count Orlok: Unmasking the Legends of the Night …, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.ripleys.com/stories/nosferatu-vs-dracula
8. Blood Brothers: Dracula vs. Nosferatu – Public Books, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.publicbooks.org/blood-brothers-dracula-vs-nosferatu/
9. The Horrors of History: Vampires | ACTC – Ashland Community and Technical College, accessed February 4, 2025, https://ashland.kctcs.edu/blog/posts/untitled.aspx
10. More ‘Disease’ Than ‘Dracula’: How the Vampire Myth Was Born | UVA Today, accessed February 4, 2025, https://news.virginia.edu/content/more-disease-dracula-how-vampire-myth-was-born-0
11. 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/
12. Nosferatu – German films – Goethe-Institut USA, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/kul/mov/ies/ygf/21333402.html
13. Nosferatu At 100: The Genesis Of Horror – The Indiependent, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.indiependent.co.uk/nosferatu-100-genesis-of-horror/
14. The Haunting History Behind Nosferatu | SYFY WIRE, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-haunting-history-behind-nosferatu
15. How ‘Nosferatu’ Reinvented the Vampire | HISTORY, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.history.com/news/vampire-nosferatu-dracula
16. www.history.com, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.history.com/news/vampire-nosferatu-dracula#:~:text=Although%20Nosferatu%20became%20caught%20up,appear%20at%20all%20in%20Dracula.
17. Nosferatu’s Connection to Dracula, Explained – CBR, accessed February 4, 2025, https://www.cbr.com/nosferatu-dracula-the-same/
18. Nosferatu – Wikipedia, accessed February 4, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosferatu19. Analysis: The Influence of Nosferatu | Pillar Collective – WordPress.com, accessed February 4, 2025, https://pillarcollective.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/analysis-the-influence-of-nosferatu/