Nosferatu’ is a 1922 German Expressionist film, directed by F. W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck as the vampire Count Orlok (the “nosferatu” of the title). The picture originated from several stories collected by Bram Stoker’s wife from Serbian folklore, combined with elements from multiple sources including Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 novel “Carmilla.
‘Nosferatu’ is the first film version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the director’s cut, with a few minor details changed and the names and characterizations altered, as Murnau felt that Stoker’s original story was too short to fill an entire feature-length film.
The movie has been declared “a masterpiece of cinema” by the American Film Institute. It is one of the first, and most famous examples of German Expressionist cinema.
What is ‘Nosferatu’ ?
The word ‘Nosferatu’ (which is also spelt with a ‘b’, though the film was released with an “a” in the title) can be translated from Romanian as “night sea-troll”. It is a reference to a variety of mythical creatures, most notably sea creatures and pixies. There are many variations of these myths, some far more fanciful than others and they vary widely across time, geography and culture.
All through the name of M. R. James plays a major part in the story, and initially very much a fan of his, I have been unable to find any reliable information as to who first came up with the ‘Nosferatu’ name. Although since there are many versions of this story and many authors over the years, it is probably impossible to pin-point who first used the Nosferatu name in print.
The Plot of ‘Nosferatu’ ?
The film starts with Thomas Hutter , a man who has recently moved into the village. He is an authority on vampires and has come to investigate some strange phenomena: ‘dead’ animals have started moving around and people have reported seeing strange and impish beings called “witches”. Orlok’s dwelling is searched and another villager, Count Czerny , is accidentally wounded by Orlok in the process. Czerny informs Dr. Van Helsing what has happened and they set out to find him.
They arrive at the cottage and start to examine the dead animal, but Orlok appears in a flash of light and throws a wooden stake at them. The three men fight, eventually having to retreat into the woods for safety. Orlok cannot follow them across a stream and they believe him to be dead. When they are crossing the bridge back to their horses, Orlok appears behind them with a gun, but is compelled by curses to return to his home.
What happened next ? for that watch movie
Character of ‘Nosferatu’
- Max Schreck as Count Orlok
- Gustav von Wangenheim as Thomas Hutter
- Greta Schröder as Ellen Hutter
- Alexander Granach as Knock
- Georg H. Schnell as Shipowner Harding
- Ruth Landshoff as Ruth
- John Gottowt as Professor Bulwer
- Gustav Botz as Professor Sievers
Is there any remake of ‘Nosferatu’ ?
There is no information on the remake of ‘Nosferatu’. Details are not available as to whether it has been released or not .
The picture is an adaptation of several legends from the Eastern European region, of a transformed vampire as told by M.R. James, including “Carmilla” which was written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu in 1872.
