Wisbourg Germany based estate agent Knock dispatches his associate Hutter to Count Orloks castle in Transylvania as the Count wants to purchase a isolated house in Wisbourg. They plan on selling him the one across the way from Hutters own home. Hutter leaves his innocent wife Ellen with some friends while he is away. Hutters trek is an unusual one with many locals not wanting to take him near the castle where strange events have been occurring. Once at the castle Hutter does manage to sell the Count the house but he also notices and feels unusual occurrences primarily feeling like there is a dark shadow hanging over him even in the daytime when the Count is unusually asleep. Hutter eventually sees the Counts sleeping chamber in a crypt and based on a book he has recently read believes the Count is really a vampire or Nosferatu. While Hutter is trapped in the castle the Count hiding in a shipment of coffins makes his way to Wisbourg causing death along his way ...
Review
As Im sure it is the case for many cinema fans my respect and admiration towards this production widely excels the enjoyment I had while watching it. "Nosferatu" is a milestone from every possible viewpoint and its one of those very few movies I think everybody should view at least once (although it actually requires repeated viewings…) It is the very first version of Bram Stokers legendary vampire tale and easily the most copied film in the history of cinema. Im sure everyone is familiar with the story of young estate agent Jonathan Harker traveling to Transylvania where he acquaintances the eccentric count who feeds on blood and controls the ones he has bitten but THIS is the original version. Shot by F.W. Murnau (who also made the equally essential titles "Faust" and "Der Januskopf") and made unforgettable by Max Schreck in his performance as the Count. And even though this film is over 80 years old Schrecks image is still as nightmarish as it can be. No visual or makeup effect could ever surpass the simple appearance of Max Schreck! The fact that this film is still very powerful therefore almost entirely depends on his unworldly character. "Nosferatu" is beautiful poetry difficult to watch at times but very rewarding. The sexual undertones as well as the shockaspects have surely dated by now but theyre still present and – as I mentioned before – they only increase my respect for Murnau and his crew. A definite must see just make sure youre in the right mood.