A REAL vampire on set... (Shadow Of The Vampire (DVD))

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Shadow Of The Vampire (DVD)
Date:	18/09/08 (73 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Atmospheric and Creepy

Disadvantages: Too slow for some

E. Elias Merhige's 'Shadow of the Vampire' is a very original film indeed. It takes the premise that Max Schreck (the guy who played the incredibly creepy 'Nosferatu' back in 1922) was actually a Vampire himself.

The film is set during the making of Nosferatu and explores the lengths which the cast and crew went to in order to get Schreck's co-operation as an actor. However, having a vampire on set can lead to dire consequences...

If you're a fan of F.W Murnau's Nosferatu, then this movie is an absolute must-see. Although the events portrayed are largely fictitious, many of the filming methods shown are grounded in reality, and as such, give us a great insight into the way silent movies were created.

John Malkovich stars as Murnau - Nosferatu's director. He plays the part in a sinister manner, with his character seemingly willing to sacrifice anything, even if it's human life, to get the film completed.

Willem Defoe plays Max Shreck - and conveys a timid but threatening presence with beautiful timing. As he's heavily covered in make-up, it's difficult to recognise Defoe - instead we see an elderly, long-fingernailed, freakish persona.

I suppose this movie is technically a black comedy - but you do have to look pretty deep to find the humour, which comes in subtle expessions and Max Shreck's sinister actions.

In combination, both Malkovich and Defoe have created believable characters with wonderful chemistry - this film really showcases their talents as actors. One great scene shows the two of them deciding which of the cast Shreck can drink the blood of next... as I said... black comedy.

If there is a weak link on the acting front, it would probably have to be Eddie Izzard who plays 'Gustav'. Although i've seen Izzard in roles where he's been pretty good, he just seems a little unbelievable here.

I really enjoyed this film - I suppose because it's not your typical horror movie. As it's presented as fact, the whole thing has a really eerie feel about it - so on that level it works.

Another element which adds to the atmosphere of the piece, is that it's filmed entirely in black and white. This helps convey the darkness and depressing nature of some of the locations used in the original film.

Shadow of the Vampire is a cleverly made piece. It's not overly action packed or bloody, but it's thoughtfully produced and gets a big thumbs up from me.

The DVD version is presented with a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, and includes a theatrical Trailer, Original Nosferatu Trailer, Directors Audio Commentary, Behind The Scenes Featurette, Special Effects make-up Featurette, Cast & Crew Interviews, and Production Notes.

Summary: An eerie tale