nosferatu (1922)
Nosferatu, or Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, is the first known vampire film and also one of the most influential. The overall scenery and cinematography has made a lasting impression on audiences through time. The creepy otherworldly feel is masterfully illustrated through the use of shadows, castles and rustic backdrops. Ultimately it is Max Schreck's performance as the vampire that is legendary. His rat-like features that go hand in hand with the narrative of the threat of the plague, his stiff walk and his eyes that never blink make him the unsexy archetype of the creepy vampire.
This 1922 German expressionist horror film is now one of the most viewed silent films in history. Failing to receive the rights to Bram Stoker's novel, screenwriter Henrik Galeen made changes to the characters names, the location and the ending but most of the story follows that of Dracula. In fact, it is the only film made by production company Prana Film. The company was forced the destroy all copies when Bram Stoker's widow, Florence Stoker, won a lawsuit against Prana Film for copyright infringement. Only one original copy remains and it has been recopied and distributed around the world.
This 1922 German expressionist horror film is now one of the most viewed silent films in history. Failing to receive the rights to Bram Stoker's novel, screenwriter Henrik Galeen made changes to the characters names, the location and the ending but most of the story follows that of Dracula. In fact, it is the only film made by production company Prana Film. The company was forced the destroy all copies when Bram Stoker's widow, Florence Stoker, won a lawsuit against Prana Film for copyright infringement. Only one original copy remains and it has been recopied and distributed around the world.