I’ve never been a big fan of Dracula movies. I enjoy them like the next guy but to a certain limit. That is until NOSFERATU (1921) came my way. Indeed, this German horror film made me re-think of the whole vampire sub-genre. Finally it isn’t always about sexy bloodsuckers. Sometimes it’s just about ugly creatures with fangs who can turn a whole town upside down just by their sheer presence. Yes, this NOSFERATU film has one scary dude to its advantage, but the flick is so much more than that. It’s also about gloomy atmosphere, it’s about impressive camera shots, lyrical pacing, solid story telling (even if it’s a stolen piece from the Bram Stoker classic, mind you), and no dialogue, because to those unaware of the fact (and there are some, trust me), the film is silent; and in black and white. But these last two details shouldn’t keep you away from seeing NOSFERATU, for it is certainly an experience in itself. One that even I, an expert in horror—or so they say—had carelessly overlooked for so many years. So indulge ASAP. You won’t regret it.
The second feature, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is another one I had the chance to discover. Like many of you, I already had heard of the musical based on the movie but I had never been tempted to see it—until now, that is. After watching this 1925 silent film I’m very curious to see what Broadway has done to it, especially of the big chandelier dropping scene which I imagine is part of the show. Anyway, to get back to the film, everything in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is grand, from the melodramatic on-screen performances to the panoramic handling by both director(s) and cinematographer. Very pleasing to the eye, I must admit. The only downside is that the investment isn’t as rewarding as the opposite film NOSFERATU. Oh, you do get caught up into this story of lost romance and revenge but the film feels more like a love story than anything else. As much fun as it is watching the Phantom losing it, nothing compares to the wrongdoings of the night creature in NOSFERATU. That’s the main reason why I don’t think I’ll be revisiting THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA anytime soon. But if you have yet to catch it, please do, if only for the visual gratification.
Until next post—Martin
