Nosferatu Analysis
Horror films of today employ several film techniques to invoke responses from the
viewer. However, early silent films relied more on these techniques because without a
script, the viewer needs another way to interpret the film. The 1922 silent film Nosferatu
directed by F.W. Murnau is one of the first of it's kind to apply what most would
consider to be more modern film techniques. Montage plays a key role in this film, as
does unusual camera angles, over acting, early special effects, and framing.
Loosely based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, the film is the story of a
realtor named Jonathon who travels to Dracula's castle in order to close a house deal. He
goes there despite many warnings and soon discovers that Dracula …show more content…
Then suddenly, the scene is back
to Johnathon but this time a shadow of Draculas hands, arms lifted, fingers outstretched,
as if he is possessing Jonathon. What follows are several more flashed shots of Nina,
John, and Dracula. Another example of this type of editing is when Dr. Reinfeld is
teaching his students and there is a close shot of a venus fly trap catching it's prey. Then
it is followed by the doctors face and the words "vampire of the plant world". There is
another shot of this kind in the mental hospital. It shows a spider on it's web feasting on
it's prey. This makes the viewer more tuned in to the power that Dracula seems to have
on everyone.
The ship that Dracula arrives on is introduced to the audience by a series of shots
looped with waves crashing on the shore and a waterfall. There are several close to
medium shots of the ship from many different angles. On board a "plague" has broken
out, but the viewer already knows that it is caused by Dracula. When the captain and
first mate are all that is left, they decide to investigate down below. When found,
Dracula rises straight up out of his coffin in one stiff, yet swift move. It is a
viewer. However, early silent films relied more on these techniques because without a
script, the viewer needs another way to interpret the film. The 1922 silent film Nosferatu
directed by F.W. Murnau is one of the first of it's kind to apply what most would
consider to be more modern film techniques. Montage plays a key role in this film, as
does unusual camera angles, over acting, early special effects, and framing.
Loosely based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, the film is the story of a
realtor named Jonathon who travels to Dracula's castle in order to close a house deal. He
goes there despite many warnings and soon discovers that Dracula …show more content…
Then suddenly, the scene is back
to Johnathon but this time a shadow of Draculas hands, arms lifted, fingers outstretched,
as if he is possessing Jonathon. What follows are several more flashed shots of Nina,
John, and Dracula. Another example of this type of editing is when Dr. Reinfeld is
teaching his students and there is a close shot of a venus fly trap catching it's prey. Then
it is followed by the doctors face and the words "vampire of the plant world". There is
another shot of this kind in the mental hospital. It shows a spider on it's web feasting on
it's prey. This makes the viewer more tuned in to the power that Dracula seems to have
on everyone.
The ship that Dracula arrives on is introduced to the audience by a series of shots
looped with waves crashing on the shore and a waterfall. There are several close to
medium shots of the ship from many different angles. On board a "plague" has broken
out, but the viewer already knows that it is caused by Dracula. When the captain and
first mate are all that is left, they decide to investigate down below. When found,
Dracula rises straight up out of his coffin in one stiff, yet swift move. It is a