Nosferatu the Vampyre
August 26th 2008 23:27
Herzog considered the original "Nosferatu" to be the most important German film, and, on the receiving end of a large budget, wanted to make his tribute to Murnau. As Kinoeye notes, the story of the production is, as always with Herzog, almost more interesting than the film:
"Unable to shoot in Bremen, as Murnau did in 1922, Herzog contracted the Dutch town of Delft. Embittered over memories of Nazi occupation, though, the Delft citizenry were less than enthusiastic about hosting a German production crew. When Herzog finally announced plans to release 11,000 rats for a particularly important scene, Delft's city fathers refused him after citing their extensive efforts to rid the city of vermin. Inconvenienced, Herzog moved his production, along with its Hungarian-bred white lab rats painted gray for the sake of realism, to the more accommodating Dutch city of Schiedam."
Klaus Kinski, notable madman and famed actor, would play the vampire, having to endure 4 hours of makeup to look like Murnau's monster, with white, ghastly skin, a bald head with prominent ears, and sharp fangs.
It's interesting to note that, in our more accepted view of the vampire, the fangs are almost always extended canines, like the fangs of a wolf, or tiger, very much like a predator at the top of the chain. Such is our vision of the vampire - an immortal being, frozen in ceramic beauty, preying on lesser beings. Our vampires are something to be feared and awed.
Herzog's vampire is a different depiction: Kinski's fangs are long and sharp incisors, the teeth of a rodent, and, indeed, his slave, Renfield, calls him the 'Lord of the Rats'. As the vampire arrives by boat, an army of rats descends on the town, bringing with them the plague.
The distinction is startling: Kinski plays Dracula as a rat, odious and disgusting. He feeds on people, spreading disease and fear, but, at the same time, he so desperately wants to be a part of the human race. He is, ultimately, a wretched and despicable character... instead of fear, we feel dread at his presence, initially. Looking at Kinski's hopeless, tragic eyes, we feel pity.
"Nosferatu the Vampyre" is a mesmerizing film, complex and soothing. Shot in Germany, Holland and Transylvania, Herzog's eye for natural beauty almost threatens to eclipse the atmosphere in the film; the shots of the valley in Transylvania is, perhaps, the best tourist advertisement for the region. Beauty is forgotten, though, as Herzog shows us death and decay, reminding the viewer of the natural order: we may build the cities, but it's the rats that will survive.
"Nosferatu the Vampyre" is part of the fabulous 6-DVD Herzog/Kinski collection available from Umbrella Entertainment.
I say: Spectacular on all count. The movie is criticized for lacking the ability to scare audiences, but I think it's an interesting and bold decision.
See it for: Isabelle Adjiani plays Jonathan Harker's wife, Lucy Harker, and she's both ravishing and strong-willed in this film, taking on the vampire menace head-on.
*this image is from the enthusiastic review on Fangoria.
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I love the mood of this film, but I love the Murnau even more.
Isabelle Adjani has never looked more hauntingly beautiful.
And Kinski is cast perfectly.
Have you seen Shadow of the Vampire with Willem Dafoe playing Max Schreck playing Graf Orlock?
Comment by Cibbuano
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And Isabelle Agjani...oh, what a radiant role!
Haven't seen Shadow of the Vampire - definitely want to see that now, and I've got the Murnau at home, too. Vampires!
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Michaelie
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Michaelie
Comment by Cibbuano
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I saw HBO is putting out a Vampire series by the Six Feet Under guy. It's all about vampires that coexist peacefully with humans, but are all sex and rocknroll.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I still prefer the original, but agree that Herzog's vision is well worth watching. Kinski is one of those actors that make me unable to blink when they are onscreen.
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Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
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I really have to change video stores. Mine sux.
I saw the original in 20's version in the 80's and despite the obvious jerkiness you can see why it was so famous.
Obviously age does make things less scary.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile