Shadow of the Vampire Movie Review 2000

Behind the scenes look at what possibly went on during the making of the silent vampire classic, 1922's "Nosferatu." Director F.W. Murnau (Malkovich) and his crew head for Czechoslovakia for location shooting on his version of "Dracula" and the first meeting of the dedicated actor who will play the title role--a very eccentric Max Schreck (Dafoe). Only Murnau has struck a devil's bargain with Schreck, who is an actual vampire--the leading man gets leading lady Greta (McCormack) as a reward--and a snack. But it seems Schreck can't wait, as the crew starts to fall mysteriously ill. A little slow going but strangely compelling and the two lead performances are outstanding.

Distribution

Universal Studios Home Video, 100 Universal City Plz., Universal City, CA 91608-9955, Phone: (818)777-1000, Fax: (818)866-1483, URL: http://www.universalstudios.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 93 minutes.
Originally from British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Behind the Scenes, Showbiz Dramas, Period Piece: 1920s, Vampires, At the Movies

Screenplay

Steven Katz

Cast

John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Catherine McCormack, Cary Elwes, Eddie Izzard, Udo Kier, Ronan Vibert, Aden (John) Gillett

Cinematography

Lou Bogue

Director

Edmund Elias Merhige

Music

Dan Jones

Producer

Lions Gate Films

Awards

L.A. Film Critics 2000: Support. Actor (Dafoe).