No, this post is NOT about one of those weird "Godzilla vs. Bambi"-type fantasies! I saw both 'Nosferatu' and 'The Crow' recently, and wanted to comment about them, but just couldn't resist the bizarre post title.
'Nosferatu'
Made in 1922, 'Nosferatu' is an honest-to-goodness silent movie. I'd never seen one before, so I found it fascinating for that alone. The acting seems overdone and strange because they have to mime everything and make it 'bigger' since there is no dialog. Some of the 'special effects' made me giggle, especially the way Nosferatu was made to glide around the castle as if he were on rollers (he probably WAS). But considering how limited their ability to do special effects was back then compared to now, I think they did a pretty good job!
Most of the movie follows the story of Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, very closely, so I'm assuming that's where they got the main storyline; the last part, however, is very different, and I honestly prefer it to Dracula's ending, which I found to be rather a fizzly letdown. It's a little long, and does drag a bit in spots, but overall I found it to be fun and worth watching.
You can watch the full-length (1hour 32 mins) restored version of 'Nosferatu" here on YouTube. Enjoy!
'The Crow'
What can I say about this movie that wouldn't sound totally inadequate? It's not the most incredible film ever made, but I totally understand why it became a goth cult classic. A rock star who comes back from the dead (and NOT as a ghost) to avenge the murders of himself and his fiancee by scumbag druglords makes a powerful hero. My personal sense of justice gloried in his actions, and I loved it even more when he took the time to thank the police officer who had tried to solve the murders, and to help a mother and daughter get their lives and relationship back together. His tearjerking return to his dead fiancee reminded me very much of the ending in the film 'Gladiator'. In fact, I'm wondering if 'Gladiator' was actually based on this movie, since it was made in 2000, seven years after 'The Crow', but follows the plotline very closely. The only thing about this movie I didn't care for was the language, but that's a personal thing, and it's probably very accurate, considering that most of the characters are criminals and lowlife.
You can watch 'The Crow' on YouTube, but it's divided into several parts (around ten, I think). Rather than fuss with that, I recommend just renting/buying the DVD.
Have you seen either of these films? What did you think of them?
I've seen both films. I liked "The Crow" better because of the same reasons that you listed; a rock who comes back from the dead, etc. The film has some touching scenes as well.
ReplyDeleteYou're quite correct about "Nosferatu" sticking closely to Bram Stoker's "Dracula." The film was so close to Stoker's novel that its makers were supposedly sued for copyright infringement by the Stoker estate, which won the case. The court ordered the complete destruction of the film, if I'm not mistaken, but since it had already been distributed, a few copies survived.
Wow, I had no idea that 'Nosferatu' was so controversial! I wonder how they managed to keep that last copy from being destroyed (just one, per Wikipedia), and how long before they were able to put it back out to the public. Thanks for sharing the history, it makes it that much more interesting.
DeleteI've seen both of them. I actually like The Crow better. It is also our anniversary movie we watch it every year. Both films are very interesting but I just connect better with The Crow. The first time I saw Nosferatu was in a film class in school many years ago.
ReplyDeleteI prefer 'The Crow' as well. :-)
DeleteI hope you don't mind me making an extra comment on this topic, but last night I watched a movie called "Shadow of the Vampire." I think you might enjoy it. The film tells the story of the making of "Nosferatu" and stars Willam DaFo as Max Schreck, who played Count Orlok in the original Nosferatu.
ReplyDeleteI recommend watching this film if you get the opportunity. It has a few surprises which incidentally, got me looking up Max Schreck in order to find out who he really was.
I don't mind at all! All my topics are open for continuous discussion, as far as I'm concerned. :-)
DeleteI like the sound of this other movie; I enjoy books and films about 'the making of' various movies. I will definitely look for it, thanks for recommending it!
The Crow was such an amazing movie to me when it was first released and the SOUNDTRACK! MLWTTKK on a major movie soundtrack and actually ON STAGE in the film!?! Blew me away! I watched it many many times in my teens and early twenties. Of course I still love it and it will forever have a place in my little black heart!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I don't even remember the soundtrack now, but it WAS cool! I'll probably have to watch it again, boo hooo... ;-)
DeleteI've been meaning to watch Nosferatu for ages now. I have seen the Crow a couple of times, but that was when I was around 12/13. Haven't seen it since, but I remember having been very impressed by it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have as much fun watching it as I did!
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