Nosferatu

Nosferatu eine Symphonie des Grauens, translating to ‘Nosferatu a symphony of horror’ the title offers only a glimpse of what this silent horror, directed by F.W. Murnau, has to offer. The soundtrack or ‘Symphonie’ provides live musical background to accenuate the horrorific melting pot of emotions inevitably experienced by any audience, the orchestral elements are naturally most effective during key plot events and turning points leaving transition scenes to be accompanied by seemingly, over dramatic music creating momentary notes of tedium. The most unprecedented element of this film is its cinematography which is both artistic and ambitious, ships loading into docks, floating coffin lids and the dark shadows of Max Schreck. Each scene is beautifully shot and composed with style and purpose, using provocative inter-tile cards that have a lot to say about death, darkness and the nature of vampires. The intertitle cards also add a sense of literature and give ‘voice’ to the omniscient narrator, although structurally the cards are key, they also provide a sense of grandiose to the story that could only be constructed with the written word. The acting is strong, all the cast are well versed in the art of expression and acting through the face which is vital for silent films to maintain their grasp on audiences. Stand out performances include, Alexander Granach as ‘Knock’ perfectly executing the physicality behind lunacy and aggression, Max Schreck as Count Orlok carrying an eerie on-screen presence and implenting dramatic expression, Gustav von Wagenheim as our protagonist.