All of that is easily forgettable. What Shadow of the Vampire is, in fact, is the insightful and darkly humorous execution of a fascinating and original concept. It features humor surprising for such an ostesibly dark film; The fact that Shadow of the Vampire refuses to poke fun at its own theme leads to a nicely complex sensibility. For instance, the idea that Nosferatu's crew could see Schreck drink a bat's blood after snatching out of the sky and yet still believe that he's nothing but a deeply committed method actor is a scream. It's all the more impressive that the complex storytelling is juxtaposed with faultless production design, as well as with subtle, unobtrusive directing by E. Elias Merhige and atmospheric cinematography courtesy of Lou Bogue.

Far too often in recent horror fiction, the vampire is presented as a sexual creature. Characters in, notably, the works of Anne Rice, claim that the vampire is merely the next step of evolution. If that's so--if their purpose in feeding on humans is just that, feeding--then why the carnal mythologizing? It's always confused me. Shadow of the Vampire takes the concept of the vampire right back to Nosferatu (though, to be fair, Dracula the novel certainly had sexual undertones). Max Schreck, as played by a nearly unrecognizable Willem Dafoe, is a hideously pale, snarling, grotesque monster. It would be stretching even a horror fan's suspension of disbelief to think that any "normal" character could be attracted to such a creature. Schreck's motive is pure, purer even than the desire for sex. He needs to eat. And if he does become attracted to a starlet or two, it's only natural in such a reclusive individual as Schreck that he would confuse sexual and digestive impulses along the way. Willem Dafoe brings Schreck--all of his seriousness, humor, and horror--to life in a snorting, jerking, growling performance that has rightfully earned him praise. Dafoe doesn't just give lip service to being able to disappear under his mask; He really does fully integrate himself into the persona of the vampire. Lastly, although Dafoe's performance is excellent, I would be remiss if I did not shed light on that of the rest of the cast--they're all excellent--and especially on John Malkovich, who gives a fiery, obsessive, and indignant performance that's his best in years. Highly recommended, and a lot of fun. (Feb 20, 2001)