|
Set during the filming of Murnau's renowned 1921 flick
Nosferatu, Shadow of the Vampire spins an inspired yarn around
the casting of the lead actor. When Murnau hires a real vampire
to play the main role in his unauthorised adaptation of Dracula,
he seems unphased by the fact that real blood will have to
be shed. And it is not long before he is willing to sacrifice
other actors in a bid to finish his masterpiece...
This
is wonderfully dark comedy which reflects superbly Murnau's
work of art with just the right amount of tongue in cheek.
Malkovich
is an inspired choice to portray the manic director while
Dafoe is perfect as the bloodthirsty leading man.
Eddie
Izzard also stars and, despite bitter memories of The Avengers,
puts in an admirable performance - if a little OTT.
It's
probably a good idea to watch the original before venturing
out to the cinema or, if you haven't seen it you'd be advised
to hunt down a copy - it will make Shadow of the Vampire
all that more enjoyable. Good fun.
Ray
Thompson
|
