In 1922 the Vampire Genre made one of it's first (and greatest) forays into film in Nosferatu, a hallmark of silent cinema. In 2000 the classic got a revision, of sorts, in Shadow of the Vampire, exploring rumors that Max Shreck (Count Orlock in the '22 classic) was in fact, a child of the night... and I don't mean a hooker.
The plot to this movie revolves around the filming for Nosferatu, with shot for shot recreations, while the focus is on the crew of the movie, and Shreck trying to hide his Blood sucking ways, trying to keep his agreement with Murnau. There is no doubt in the mind of the viewer that Shrek is a vampire, but the crew, with the exception of Murnau, all believe he's a method actor, one that would put DeNiro's quirks to shame. But as the plot develops they all begin to realize, climaxing in Greta (Catherine McCormack) noticing Shreck doesn't reflect well... or at all. This subplot of the cast figuring it all out is portrayed beautifully, and makes the movie, in my opinion.
One thing I loved was when a recreation was shown, the film took on a sepia tone or black and white, as to further the illusion of it being the actual film, furthermore, there are multiple scenes with "silent" title cards, just like in the original. This technique could have come off as a tad gimmicky, but it doesn't. Especially if you've seen Nosferatu.
Sadly, I think that's what makes most of this movie work, is how well you know THE silent Vampire classic. If you're not familiar with the movie, many of the jokes and the awe-inspiring eye for detail of E. Elias Merhige will go woefully unnoticed, lost like so many tears in the rain. I have seen the movie this movie is built around, so I loved it, but I can see someone who hasn't seen the first, wouldn't enjoy the latter.
The only other real problem I have with this movie (and I'll lead off with saying that this is a superficial problem) is that it feels like this movie isn't so much about the plot, as it is the acting, primarily that of Willem Dafoe. I've seen Dafoe in a number of things, but this is his best performance in my mind. Not just the makeup, but his acting makes it as if he's not even him. In a borderline horror movie, Dafoe turns in a truly horrifying role, adding a needed dark side to this character piece.
But for every villain, there must be a hero, and that is played by John Malkovich, portraying F.W. Murnau. You truly believe that Murnau started with the best intentions, but as we know AC/DC's Highway to Hell is lined with them. You feel bad for Murnau when Shreck begins to Vamp it up, and you also feel indifference, because he caused it all. It is a rare case when you respect, hate, admire, and loathe the same character, and it is rarer to find an actor good enough to do it... and Malkovich is one of them.
Other highlights in the cast include Eddie Izzard, who's brief appearance is enjoyable, as well
If you go into this movie expecting a great vampire movie, you will probably be let down, but if you go in expecting a great movie with vampires, then you will be in for one hell of a treat.
Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (9.5/10)
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