Vampires. A monster that rules the shadows and haunts the night. The classic interpretations of vampires in film were Tod Browning’s Dracula and F. W. Murnau’s Nosferatu. Both films are intertwined with parallels and a similar concept. But what are the differences between them?
Murnau’s Nosferatu was engraved with the symphony of Dracula. Dracula by Bram Stoker heavily inspired the film. While the Nosferatu storyline is an unofficial derivative of the timeless novel, it creates some new vampire mythology in the process. Although there are some obvious changes to the story, so many of the outstanding moments from Stoker’s novel stayed in place. This gives a great connection between the film and the novel. Dracula, on the other hand, is an undeniable classic film and adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. This film is the cornerstone of early horror cinema. The genre would not be the way it is today, and we may not even see vampires in the way we do – if not for Dracula.
Both films are a part of history. They have impacted the horror genre and filmmaking as a whole, with a significant effect on the way Vampires are continuously conveyed in the media. Their cultural relevance is everlasting and timeless.
Count Orlock from Nosferatu and Count Dracula from Dracula. Image Credit: (L) Prana-Film, (R) Universal Pictures
Atmosphere
Nosferatu is a hauntingly poetic adaptation of Vampires. The 1922 classic has a dreamlike atmosphere, making the film feel almost indistinct and nightmarish. The viewer cannot know for sure what is real and what is not. Throughout the entirety of the film, the use of sinister and twisted shots makes the unease last. Paired with a looming undertone of doom across each scene.
Likewise, Dracula is an important film to the genre of horror as a whole. It created a whole new world for writers and directors to take inspiration from. The legendary film has the world entranced by its creepy atmosphere, unable to break away from the trance it has us in. The fog accentuates the eerie mood, which adds a ghostly, haunting feel. There is the use of close and low-angle shots, which are able to bring about such evil aspects to the character of Dracula.
Appearance and Personality
Count Orlock is a grotesque, inhuman, rat-like being. His depiction includes: with dagger-like teeth, a long nose, long fingernails, and an emaciated body. His gaunt demeanour haunts the narrative. In return, making his look so memorable. Wearing large dark clothes – including a long trench coat – which is to hide his skeletal build. Comparatively, Count Dracula appears more human-like. The iteration of a bat-like Transylvanian nobleman. He wore an unforgettable long, sweeping silk-lined cape, a white shirt, and a memorable medallion around his neck, used to symbolise his status and high power. His appearance consisted of sharp white teeth, long pointed nails, and an extremely pale complexion. Although these characteristics are not so common, he is so human-like that it goes unnoticed.
Browning and Murnau have different ways of presenting their main characters. On one hand, an eternity of vampirism was set upon Dracula by what seems to be some sort of higher power who is enraged with him, cursed with a force of evil. He is depicted as a human man who has been infected by this evil immortality. Whereas, Orlock was dabbling in dark magic, from which his power came from the Devil. This came as a great burden upon him, as he now has to live this undead life forever as a walking corpse.
While the vampire depictions are quite similar, their personalities are opposite. When Hutter appears in the castle, he is awkward and lacking in social skills – obviously due to the thirst for his blood fogging Orlock’s mind. On the other hand, Dracula is more charming and charismatic, tactically used in order to lure people to their demise.
Do they have weaknesses?
Both characters have a number of weaknesses in their stories. Both films share the idea that a vampire must be invited into a place. This is specific to Nosferatu, where Orlock does not attack Ellen until she opens the window for him. Alongside this, they both allude to the need for soil to regain and grow their supernatural powers. Dracula is physically unable to be around garlic and crucifixes. These weak points are not mentioned in Nosferatu. There does not seem to be any physical objects which can cause him harm or overpower him. There are huge differences between what can kill these vampires. Count Dracula has a few different ways. Beheading, or a stake through the heart. However, Count Orlock can only be affected by sunlight. While the sun deprives Dracula of his powers, the sun is deadly to Count Orlock.
The uncomfortable presence of both world renounced vampires took the world by storm, and continue to keep their sharp-nailed grasp in the modern media.
Featured Image Credit: Film Arts Guide
