Classics: A Review of Shadow of the Vampire By Lauren Ennis

 Since the advent of cinema there have always been monster movies. These films allow filmmakers to explore dark, complex, and socially sensitive topics while still keeping audiences entertained. But what if the monster wasn't just a performance? What would happen if a movie monster became real? 2000's horror satire Shadow of the Vampire asks those very questions. At once a Valentine to classic horror and a scathing critique of the entertainment industry Shadow of the Vampire is truly a viewing experience to die for.

Dead and loving it

The story begins in Weimar-era Berlin as director F. W. Murnau sets out to film his masterpiece, Nosferatu. Filming starts well enough, minus the occasional spats between the director and his tempestuous ex-lover turned leading lady, Greta. What begins as a backstage drama quickly takes a dark turn when Murnau moves filming to a remote location in Romania. While he insists that the location shooting is essential to maintain the film's authenticity, the cast and crew remain unconvinced. The eerie atmosphere is exacerbated by the arrival of the film's main monster, the mysterious Max Schreck. Murnau introduces Schreck as a dedicated method actor and instructs the cast and crew to leave him to his craft. As mysterious and terrifying events begin to occur Schreck's identity is called into question. Over the course of filming the cast and crew realize that the film, their careers, and their very lives are at stake. What ensues is a true production from hell that requires all of the cast and crew's blood, sweat, and tears, especially their blood.

Shadow of the Vampire pumps fresh blood into a tired genre. Rather than bringing viewers into the mysterious and monstrous world of vampires the film instead brings the legend into our world. In this way, the film offers a uniquely terrifying twist on the genre as it asks what would happen if we actually were confronted with the undead in our midst. This unique take lends itself to deadpan humor as the cast and crew react to their costar's increasingly bizarre behavior. Rather than relating a simple fish out of water story, however, the film uses its premise to explore the all too real blood suckers in the arts and entertainment industries. Over the course of the film, Murnau sacrifices the safety of his cast and crew in an effort to realize his artistic vision. This exaggerated depiction aptly highlights the extent to which many artists will go to fulfill their creative pursuits. In its depiction of Murnau's deal with the devilish Schreck the film offers a scathing critique of an industry willing to sacrifice anything and anyone for a chance at immortality. For a bloody good time spend your Halloween in the Shadow of the Vampire.

Just another day at work...

The film transports viewers to the hedonism of Weimar-era Berlin and the eerie beauty of the Romanian countryside thanks to the work of its cast. Eddie Izzard is endearing as Nosferatu's naive leading man, Gustav. Cary Elwes infuses matinee idol charm into his turn as cinematographer, Fritz. Ronan Vibert lends pathos to his role as the crew's doomed voice of reason, Wolgang. Catherine McCormack is electric as Nosferatu's by turns seductive and shrill leading lady, Greta. Even in the midst of superb supporting performances the film belongs to John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe as Murnau and Schreck. Malkovich utilizes his unique blend of charisma and calculation to the fullest, portraying Murnau as at once monstrous and uncomfortably relatable in his single-minded pursuit of his artistic vision. Dafoe immerses himself so fully into his role that he nearly disappears into the equal parts grotesque and tragic Schreck.

At once an homage to the classic monster movie and a biting industry satire, Shadow of the Vampire proves that there's still fresh blood in the old vampire legend. The script scathingly sends up the callousness of the entertainment industry while still offering an array of classic thrills and chills. The cast perfectly balance between deadpan humor and deadly terror. For Halloween viewing with plenty of bite tune in to Shadow of the Vampire.

Happy Halloween!