Quite possibly the most terrifying film ever made, F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu remains a haunting masterpiece that continues to influence filmmakers even a century later.
Released in 1922 and loosely adapted from Bram Stoker’s Dracula (with character names altered to avoid copyright infringement), the film is set in the surreal, shadowy world of German Expressionism. Themes of death, madness, and the interplay of shadow and light permeate this chilling tale. Max Schreck’s Count Orlac, with his bald head, rat-like features, and long, bony fingers, is a ghastly, parasitic monster sustained by the blood of the living. His hunched, creeping form terrifies even in silhouette, presenting a stark contrast to the romanticized vampires of later portrayals. While Orlac still desires the blood of a virtuous young woman, he is no suave, alluring undead, but a horrifying creature embodying pure nightmare fuel.
Although the image of the vampire has evolved over the past century, Nosferatu remains a benchmark of horror cinema, a film whose disturbing visuals and haunting atmosphere continue to define the genre.
Special Accompaniment:
Musical accompaniment by Dennis James on the California Theatre's mighty Wurlitzer organ.
Presented in 35mm Film:
Filmophiles will be delighted to know that this legendary motion picture will be presented in 35mm film via studio-standard upright projectors, thanks to the Harvard Film Archive.
Silent Cinema at Cinequest is made possible by the
generosity of the Packard Humanities Institute. A very special thank you to
David Woodley Packard and Cynthia Mortensen-Colombetti for producing these
extraordinary artistic experiences for Cinequest and the audiences we serve.