 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
. |
Shadow
of the Vampire
(2000) |
||||||||
|
. |
Nosferatu -A symphony of Horror is one of the great horror films. Directed by F.W. Murnau and released in 1922 the film to date remains unsurpassed in its brilliant recreation of gothic atmosphere. The film is also memorable for Max Schrek's portrayal of Count Orlok, the vampire. Shadow of the Vampire traces the fictional shooting of Nosferatu but puts in a quite ingenious twist to the plot. It takes as its premise the delicious idea that Max Schrek the actor was chosen to play the part of the vampire simply because he was infact a vampire! One must add at the outset that none of this was in fact true but it certainly makes for an amusing film. The film therefore charts the trials and tribulations of both director Murnau and his troublesome star, Schrek. The premise of the film is mouth watering, particularly for those who are fans of the original film. Like the film it pays homage to, Shadow of the Vampire, is superbly shot and even manages to recreate a semblance of the gothic roots of Nosferatu. Unfortunately, while there are some well executed scenes, the overall result, sadly, is uneven. The films premise remains both its strongest and weakest point. Strongest because its sets up an intriguing film. Weakest because ultimately the idea is too outlandish and the film becomes almost camp in its final reel. Perhaps director Elias Merhige could have focused more on the creepier elements of Schrek's personality and his affect on his fellow crew rather than the 'lighter' absurdities that arise from working with a vampire. Shadow of the Vampire could have benefited from a more brooding, dark approach but keeping in mind the premise it may have been felt that a lighter, more tongue and cheek vein would need to be tapped into. In addition, because the boundaries between fiction and fact have been removed, the audience is never sure what in the film was true and what was fictionalised. Apart from Schrek being made into a vampire, was it true for example, that Murnau used drugs or that a camera man died during filming? Nevertheless, one should not be over harsh on the film for much of it is commendable. The wit is sharp and on several occasions genuinely funny. The acting all round is superb. Who else but Malkovich to play an eccentric but brilliant director? Although it's hardly new territory for him, Malkovich brings that wonderful almost controlled madness to the role. But its Dafoe who is walking away with the plaudits and what is apparently a sure shot Oscar nomination. Transformed into the hideously gaunt and toothy Max Schrek, Dafoe shuffles along in the trademark Nosferatu over coat, clicking his enormous finger nails at anything that moves. The eyes bulge manically, the breathing is laboured and his words come out in between hisses and slurps. A very fine performance from an extremely versatile actor but could it be that his role lacks the substance to win him that Oscar. Shadow of the Vampire probably promises more than it delivers. But it's not a bad effort by any means and particularly, for fans of the classic horror genre, this is an amusing attempt. Shadow of the Vampire is not yet on general release. It had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May and is currently running in the London Film Festival. The film opens in America in Mid December 2000.
|
||||||||
