Nosferatu (1922) Review

Have you ever seen a shadow at the edge of your bed? It's NOSFERATU coming for your blood! Noseferatu (1922), a German film directed by F.M. Murnau, is a vampire horror. The tale originated from Bram Stroker's tale of Dracula. Due to copyright issues, Murnau had to change names but the story remains the same. One of the first of its genre, Nosferatu created the fundamentals of a vampire being.

Oddly enough, several murders took place during production. Some suspected that Max Schreck. the actor who portrayed Count Orlok, was responsible for these deaths. Schreck was a dedicated actor who not only played a character but lived the character. Rumors were speculated that Schreck was so involved in his vampire character that he killed some cast and crew.

Even though "Nosferatu" marked history as the most horrifying and creepy movie ever, we really didn't like the movie solely for the confusion. Many scenes were taken place during the day but were meant for the night. This added to the complexity of the film because the story line was not as clear. Silent films are a bit harder to understand due the lack of communication between the characters. Additionally if the person has read or seen the original Dracula book or movie, the altered names might increase to that confusion.

Beat Sheet:

1. Opening Image: Jonathan and his wife Nina are living a normal average happy life
2. Theme Stated:
3. Set-up: Introduced to Jonathan's city of Wisborg
4. Catalyst: While Jonathan is residing at an inn in Transylvaina, he is told horror stories about Count Orlok
5. Debate: Jonathan reads the vampire book.
6. Break into Two: He still decides to go to Count Orlock's castle.
7. B Story: Meet Count Orlock
8. Fun and Games: Mysterious murders take place
9. Midpoint: Everyone is found dead on the ship
10. Bad Guys Close In: Nosferatu is killing the citizens of Wisborg
11. All is Lost: The "plague" is unknown origins and cure
12. Dark Night of the Soul: Jonathan is getting sick
13. Break into Three: Jonathan goes to find the professor even though he is unwell
14. Finale: Nina fights off Count Orlock
15. Final Image: Jonathan carries his beloved dying wife in his arms.

Directed by: F.M. Murnau

Cast

Max Schreck as Count Orlok (Dracula)

Alexander Granach as Knock (Reinfeild)

Gustav von Wangenheim as Thomas Hutter (Jonathan Harker)

Greta Schroder as Ellen Hunter (Mina Harker)

George H. Schnell as Mr. Harding (Lord Godalming)

Watch the movie HERE!