June 3, 2006
Shadow of the Vampire was a great disappointment for me, as I had met it with great anticipation.
I have read Stoker's Dracula for my E303: Literatures in English 1800-1900 class.
I have many points of contention, the simplest and most profound of which is the speed of Count Orlock's (Dracula himself) reveal and subsequent crew attacks. They should have drawn both of those out; it would have made for a much more effective film.
Don't get me wrong, the concept was novel and intriguing! The pacing just felt all wrong, is all. The little jabs between Director F.W. Murnau (Malkovich) and Count Orlock were good, and Dafoe puts in a good, albeit limited (by the script) performance, replete with hisses and nefarious glares.
