Nosferatu: The First Vampire

I am a huge fan of vampire films. I am also a huge fan of the goth/rock band Type O Negative. Put them both together and I'm a happy girl.

I actually own several versions of this film but this particular version is my favorite way to watch this much beloved silent masterpiece. Granted, not all of the music matches the action (I had to question the relevance of "My Girlfriends Girlfriend") but the rest of it is quite well done. From the opening scenes where Jonathan & Mina say farewell whilst the moody love song "Love You To Death" plays in perfect synch with the action, to the shot of the vampire's coach speeding recklessly over the terrain while front man Peter Steele shouts in his amazing baritone: "Oh, you're dead now!" this is at times spooky and hilarious to watch.

The film has not been tampered with despite the modern soundtrack and remains a classic piece of cinema. Nosferatu himself remains a hideous, years- ahead-of-his-time monster, with star Max Schreck boasting some very impressive make-up for such an old film. His rat-faced predator is truly creepy and when watched alone in a dark room, will still give you the shivers as he slowly climbs the stairs at midnight or stalks the deck of an ill-fated ship.

I can honestly say, having been a fan of the silent Nosferatu for years before I saw this version, that the soundtrack provided by Type O does NOT detract anything from this film in the least. Indeed, it is a most interesting experiment, and a successful one. Highly recommended for both vampire fans and Type O fans.