Shadow of the Vampire

About

Shadow of the Vampire is a 2000 independent period vampire film directed by E. Elias Merhige and written by Steven Katz. It offers a fictionalized account of the making of the classic silent horror film Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922), directed by F.W. Murnau. The film stars John Malkovich as Murnau and Willem Dafoe as Max Schreck, the actor playing the vampire Count Orlok. The premise suggests that Schreck is an actual vampire, hired by Murnau to ensure a realistic portrayal on screen. The film explores themes of artistic ambition and the blurring of reality and fiction. Murnau's obsession with his film leads him to make a pact with Schreck, promising him the lead actress, Greta, in exchange for his cooperation. As filming progresses, Schreck's vampiric nature becomes increasingly evident, leading to tragic consequences. The movie blends dark humor with horror, utilizing techniques reminiscent of silent films to create a haunting atmosphere. Dafoe's performance as Schreck earned him an Oscar nomination, highlighting the film's unique blend of mythology and cinematic storytelling.