Nosferatu - Death of Count Orlok

Everyone knows that I'm a fan of German history; especially bits from Prussia, Pomerania, the German Empire, and Weimar Republic. With that being said, it should be a surprise to no one that one of my favorite classic horror films is Nosferatu (1922).

Since my official Halloween deviation is going to be cute and not at all horrific, I thought it was only fair to make this. 

I'm a fan of the film, but I couldn't tell you too much about its development. From what I understand, Nosferatu was another take on the famous Count Dracula story; instead of "Vampire" it is "Nosferatu", and instead of "Dracula" it is "Count Orlok". Truth be told, Nosferatu will always rank higher in my eyes for a few reasons.

1. Count Orlok's design is incredibly frightening
2. The film creates chills without using jump scares
3. This film was taken in the Weimar Republic (post-German Empire, pre-Nazi Germany); an amazing place for a film given the castles and 19th century-styled structures
4. The actors, perfect fit for the roles

But of everything I love about this film, it is Count Orlok that wins over my favor. He has such a disturbing face, disturbingly long claws, no emotion, and of course, that monstrous height. Count Orlok played a major role in teaching me that, given the right character, 'height = fright'. This is why, often enough, characters I intend on making intimidating or frightening are tall (ex. Lieutenant Seppuku, Selina Osiris).

I took the famous scene where Ellen lures Orlok into her bedroom to, willingly, feed on her neck. He does so, but as it is said; the bane to his existence is for him to drink the blood of a willing female until the 'first crowing of the cock' (morning). Orlok sucks her blood, the sun comes up, and an unsuspecting vampire approaches the window, where he burns away. Ellen dies, but Count Orlok vanquishes.

This is not, however, exactly how the scene appeared. While I tried my hardest to replicate the scene to the very letter, I applied my own changes that I think would fit well, if a remake were to be made.

1. Rather than fading away as he reaches out, I think it would be an interesting effect to see his body, literally, burn to ash within 1-4 seconds; hand to toe.
2. He needn't scream, but I think displaying emotion (agony, to be exact), would be an interesting final moment, given that he doesn't show emotion the entire film.
3. Blood on teeth, coughing out some with #2. Since he had just been sucking the blood of Ellen, he would likely still have a mouth coated with, if not full of, blood.
4. Lower body ignites.

These are the only changes I would consider doing, as pictured, if I were directing a remake.

If you can handle that it is a silent film (where text is shown, no voice acting) and not throwing shockers at you every minute; this is an amazing film to watch (1 hour, 22 minutes). 

In my opinion, what makes Count Orlok so frightening partially comes from the mindset: "What if it were I who was alone with him in a castle?" The actual thought of being in the presence of this emotionless and tall vampire is beyond disturbing, no doubt.

While I wouldn't be surprised if I'm the only person in 'my circle' who has seen this film; I know that just about everyone has seen Count Orlok before. He is, indeed, the character "flickering the lights" in SpongeBob SquarePants' "Night Shift".



Believe it or not, this is not my official Halloween deviation; while I do post this because it is the month of Halloween, an actual F-Zero: Seppuku/Ultimate deviation taking after the holiday will be posted on the 31st.