Nosferatu (1922)

Nosferatu is more than a vampire movie. Horror classic Nosferatu is an early treasure of the cinema. Through the lens of this silent movie, we see many theatrical mainstays in their infancy — from the inventive camera angles to the moving, sweeping camera motions that carry us through the most elaborate, creepy sets.

Plot summary for Nosferatu:
Nosferatu echoes Dracula’s story only with names of people and locations having been changed to avoid legal trouble. Count Orloc (Max Schreck) leaves his castle for Bremen in search of a woman known to him only by a photograph. Once there, the Count’s antics begin. This story shares the irony that the woman he seeks also alone has the power to destroy him.

Memorable scene from Nosferatu:
The most memorable thing about Nosferatu is Max Schreck’s portrayal of the famous vampire – long fingernails, pointy ears and all.

Memorable quote from Nosferatu:
“Is this your wife? What a lovely throat.”

Why we love Nosferatu:
Nosferatu is filmic proof that sometimes there’s no messing with the original. Although an early (and unauthorized) adaptation to Bram Stoker’s story of Dracula, the film still stands as a great contribution to vampire lore and Dracula history.

Frightening Fact:
Many Nosferatu scenes that featured Count Graf Orlock were filmed in daylight, a fact made obvious by the film’s black and white format. The film was later tinted blue to give the appearance that the vampire’s scenes were taking place at night.

p.s. – Shadow of the Vampire is goddamn fantastic!