Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922; 1929 USA)
I fear that many horror movie fanatics will shun this film due to its early release date. After all, this is a movie from the silent film era, playing mostly music and some important sounds, and very little special effects. I hope that you are willing to give it a try. I did. And I am certainly glad that I did so. I do enjoy black and white films, but my experience with silent films is quite limited. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is worth the effort, and does the era justice.
To begin, the film was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, which is why the word vampire is not used for the title. Instead, they are called the nosferatu. We first meet Hutter, a young man, who is married to Ellen. Hutter's boss, Knock receives a letter, in what appears to be code, and informs Hutter that a Count Orlok would like to buy a nice, big house in their town of Wisborg, Germany. Knock suggests selling him the giant, abandoned mansion that is across from Hutter's house. Hutter thinks it's a fantastic idea and runs home to tell his wife, excitedly, about his trip to Transylvania. She is not so excited, and she immediately displays a sense of sadness, worry, and fear.
Mmm, yes. I am a handsome, young chap. And these foolish rural folk and their legends amuse me. Ha ha ha. I am too handsome to believe that malarkey.
Hutter makes off on his travels and eventually stops at an inn. The people are happy, friendly, and welcoming... until he states that he needs them to hurry so that he can get to Count Orlok's castle quickly. All conversation ends, and everyone stares at him with a sense of astonishment and fear. The innkeeper then comes over and tells him that he can't leave at this time of night, there are werewolves about in the darkness. Hutter laughs and stays the night. In his room, he looks around and picks up a little book. He begins to read it and notes that it is about vampires, warning of their behavior and of the consequences of being around them. He laughs and puts it down. The night goes by uneventfully. In the morning, he looks at the book again. This time, he not only laughs, but he also throws it down as a worthless piece of junk.
Hutter travels through the Carpathian Mountains via a carriage with a steward and a driver. At one point, the men stop. They refuse to go any further, stating that it is creepy from here on out. Again, Hutter laughs, and takes off on foot. The music up to this point has been upbeat, at times, in my opinion, a bit odd for this movie (I have no idea if this is the music that was originally played with the film). As Hutter makes off toward the mountain peak, where the count lives in his castle, the music slowly and subtly changes. It's gets more somber, darker, and quiet. It breaks off as the carriage stops and the sound of bats is heard.
The Black Coach of Death has arrived, sir. Your future horror awaits you. Enjoy!
Finally, we meet Count Orlok. He is a very tall and slender man, very imposing and fearsome. He complains that Hutter has arrived so late, which seems odd, but perhaps is how he tries to gain the young man's confidence. You see, Count Orlok is out during the day, and not just this once. He ushers his new acquaintance inside the castle, and affords him a great buffet. While Hutter is eating, Count Orlok reads the document and then begins to peer at Hutter. Hutter, unnerved, begins cutting some bread. Unfortunately for him, the sound of the clock striking surprises him, and he cuts his thumb. Count Orlok gasps and grabs Hutter's thumb, trying to save the precious blood from being wasted. Hutter, fearful is backed into a corner when the count suggests they should get to know each other better. Hutter awakens the next morning, blissfully unaware of what has happened the previous night. He checks a mirror and sees two bit marks. He smiles and later writes to his wife that the mosquitoes are horrible and he has been bitten by them.
I am Count Orlok come to... see if you need anything. I have been suffering from insomnia for a week now. Would you like to play dice?
Hutter shares a portrait of his wife with Count Orlok after he has signed all the necessary documents. The count comments on her lovely neck, making Hutter uncomfortable. On his own later, Hutter smiles longingly at the portrait and puts it back in his pocket, only to discover that small book about vampires he had carelessly tossed aside at the inn. He comes to realize what is going to happen to him. Indeed, Count Orlok slowly, quietly makes his way to Hutter's room. At this point, we see Ellen seemingly reacting feverishly to the attack that is about to take place against her husband. While a doctor, friends, and family try to help her, Count Orlok looks up from his conquest as if aware that she sees him.
The next day, Hutter is aware of what befell him the night before. In an attempt to escape, he leaps out the window of the castle (Yeah, he did use sheets, but honestly, the moron could have killed himself. He was high up!). Count Orlok is planning on sailing to his new home, and Hutter wants to warn his wife. Knock is also aware that Orlok is on his way, and he begins to lose his mind as his master is coming. He is institutionalized and eats flies and spiders (As you do). On the journey to Worsig, every member of the crew of the ship on which Orlok is travelling becomes ill and dies.
Let's be honest... in shadow, he's even creepier. Max Schrek did his job but GOOD. More on that later...
Ellen wants to read the book that Hutter has on vampires even though he protests. In the book, she discovers the answer to the problem of this nosferatu. In order to triumph over him, a "sinless maiden" must make him lose track of time, become unaware of what is around him, by offering him her blood willingly. She knows what she must do, to save her town and to save her husband. I'm going to leave the rest for you to watch, because I really do think it's worth it. It was a lovely film. And even though there are no big scares or jump-out-your-seat surprises, there is a constant sense of dread throughout the film. I highly recommend it.
To be continued.... (Info on Max Schrek and some effects of the film!)
Go forth in fear!
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