Director: E. Elias Merhige
Starring: Willem Dafoe, John Malkovich and Cary Elwes
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Willem Dafoe. Ever since his recognition in the 1980’s, Dafoe has become a beloved icon. Whether it is detectives inspecting murders, psychotic killers or green goblins, Dafoe has played several characters. Arguably, Dafoe’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a focus of a movie, Dafoe has often left a lasting impression. Although he is most well-known for his famous role as Green Goblin within the Spider-Man movies, Dafoe has proven he can make engaging movies in every genre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Dafoe has created several memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Dafoe and adore all films which he has made in his career. However, “Shadow of the Vampire” is absolutely his most underrated work. Released in 2000, E. Elias Merhige’s movie offered a captivating portrait of vampires. Packed with stunning production, engaging strolling and powerful acting, it’s one of the greatest vampire films ever made. At the centre of it all is a brilliant performance by Willem Dafoe, who portrays a vampire enduring sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Shadow of the Vampire” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about vampires, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about vampires, there are several reasons why “Shadow of the Vampire” is a film that’s worth watching.
“Shadow of the Vampire” tells a story of a formation of a frightening vampire. John Malkovich portrays F.W. Murnau, a famous film director with an aptitude for producing movies that inspire awe. Murnau has often thrived at his profession of filmmaking that he always loves dearly. However, Murnau’s life drastically changes when he becomes involved in a movie about a vampire. Faced with a dilemma, Murnau struggles casting a difficult role of a vampire involving stamina. All of Murnau’s issues seem to be resolved when he casts actor Max Schreck (Willem Dafoe). Schreck is a menacing vampire for real that poses danger. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Max questions whether it’s possible to make a successful film about a vampire.
E. Elias Merhige is a newcomer towards the stories of vampires. Before he had directed “Shadow of a Vampire”, Merhige had never made a movie about vampires before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of vampires enduring adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Merhige captures a tense vampire embarking on a dangerous journey. Evoking Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”, the filmmaker deftly uses montages to capture tensions vampires are facing. For instance, montages elevate the vampire introduction scene. During this unforgettable scene, Max introduces himself for the first time towards Murnau on the set of a movie. Using strong montages, Merhige constructs a portrait of vampires that’s compelling. Montages are not easy techniques to use in films. As Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” suggested, montages elevate comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using captivating visuals, Merhige captures tension that vampires are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Shadow of a Vampire” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive vampire films you will ever see. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Age of Innocence”, Merhige effectively uses costumes to capture vampires without any innocence. For instance, costumes enhance the vampire filming scene. During this tense scene, Max films a scene for a movie made by Marnau. Using strong costumes, Merhige creates a strong portrait of vampires that’s engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Dan Jones’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing a heavy burden that vampires bear. Using powerful production, Merhige captures the lives of vampires that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Shadow of the Vampire” is a vampire film which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully employs silence to capture the tensions vampires experience. Evoking James Ivory’s “The Remains of the Day”, Merhige effectively employs silence to convey tensions of vampires facing a price to pay. For instance, silence enhances the vampire murder scene. During this intense scene, Max engages in a murder involving vampires in a state of silence. Through the use of silence, Merhige creates a portrait of vampires that audiences easily could relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use. As Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” claimed, silence enhances movies about isolation. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through a spectacular screenplay, Merhige captures vampires that face a painful price to pay.
One admires amazing performances.
Willem Dafoe delivers one of his best career performances as Mac Schreck. Dafoe first earned praise portraying soldiers in classic war movies. With “Shadow of a Vampire”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a vampire that faces adversity but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentment of a vampire enduring tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the finest actors that’s working in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Willem Dafoe, the supporting cast is also astonishing. John Malkovich is spectacular, capturing the tensions faced by a filmmaker making a move about a vampire. Cary Elwes is captivating, bringing authority to an actor that seems out to produce a vampire movie. Lastly, Udo Kier merits appreciations. As a legendary actor, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Shadow of the Vampire” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing a vampire. Unlike most vampire films, the film tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes such as anger, filmmaking and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Shadow of the Vampire” is one of those rare vampire films everyone will adore.
Fans of Willem Dafoe would definitely enjoy “Shadow of a Vampire” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating vampire classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a vampire that faces circumstances which are dire, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a successful career through his abilities to play compelling characters in memorable movies audiences admire.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 