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"Scary Beyond
Words" |
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Directed by F.W. Murnau
- Written by Bram
Stoker, Henrik Galeen
Starring Max Schreck,
Gustav von Wangenheim,
Great Schroder
Distributed by Film Arts
Guild - 1922- 94mins -
Rated NR |
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The definitive horror film in the history of cinema... |
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Before
sound entered cinema, film was a medium of images. A competent
director had to rely on visual images, not spoken word, to convey
motion and image. Several films of the early era of film convey visual
perfection. One of these is "Nosferatu."
Loosely based on "Dracula" (the producers couldn't secure the proper
rights), "Nosferatu" follows the basic formula of the book, but makes
many changes. Story doesn't matter in this film, though. As I said
above, it's about the images. Some viewers may never get past the lack
of sound and dialogue. They will not get the shoddy look of the film,
the exaggerated movements of the actors, or the heavy face makeup. To
one who is willing to give it a chance, "Nosferatu" is a terrifying
trip.
Unlike every other version of "Dracula," the vampire here is not
romantic. He is not good looking. He is a ghastly creature with long
finger nails, a rigid body frame, jerky movement, pointed ears, and
two long incisors (much different than the usual fangs). The
camerawork is subtle and scary; certain scenes have been sped up,
others shot at odd angles. Some of the cuts are random and it feels
like a few seconds are missing between cuts. How does Nosferatu get
across the room? He's on one side at one moment, and after a flicker
of the screen, he's across it? Is this intentional? Note the phantom
carriage that takes a human to the vampire's castle. The film has
obviously been sped up, making the carriage look jerky and shaky. I
wouldn't have it any other way. The many imperfections, from the jerky
movement of the vampire, to the odd cuts, creates a surreal and
horrifying atmosphere. This is the stuff that nightmares are made of.
Nowadays, computer effects look too real to be scary. The imperfect,
unrealistic look of the silent age feels fractured and distorted, just
like a nightmare.
This is THE definitive horror film in the history of cinema. Anyone
who calls themselves a movie fan must watch this during the course of
their lives. They may not like it, but they will gain an appreciation,
for those people who perfected the visual art of film many years
before our time. |
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© Written by Jacob Hall -
Email
Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
I love
watching this film, late at night, with a girl
who has never seen it before! Thanks
Nosferatu!
Richard Propes' Comment
n/a
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