Review – Shadow of the Vampire

If the Academy gave out Oscars for Best Premise, this would have won hands-down. The root of the story here is the amusing notion that Max Schreck, the actor who played the lead in F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu, really was a vampire. John Malkovich (Murnau) and Willem DaFoe (Schreck) turn in outstanding performances, as does the rest of the cast (including one of my personal faves, Eddie Izzard). DaFoe’s makeup is great, and the other technical elements of the production work well together to capture the grim feel of 1920s German Expressionism. However, the real star of the movie is the script. The action and dialogue manage to successfully balance on the fine line between arty pretense and dark humor. The final product isn’t exactly a light comedy. Further, the goths that usually make up a chunk of the traditional vampire flick audience may find themselves alienated by the loathsome, distinctly unromantic portrayal of the bloodsucker. That aside, this should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for anyone with the time and disposition to pay attention to it. DVD renters can also try watching this with the director’s commentary on for a little behind-the-scenes stuff and a whole lot of pseudo-intellectual blather. Worth seeing