Sanpaco13

Another go-to Halloween classic. This film has withstood the years as a classic of horror. So innovative in it's filming techniques considering when it was filmed. There is a panning shot of the boat on the water for example that I initially thought must be a helicopter shot but such would have been impossible in 1922. I also love the stop motion effects used to animate Orlov's carriage and the process of loading the wagon. The melodramatic acting of the characters is charming and fitting of the period. And the performance of Max Schreck is forever embedded in pop culture as the unnatural and unnerving Count Orlok (aka Dracula).

This has become a go-to favorite of mine for Halloween. It is filmed beautifully. Well-written script adaptation. Hypnotic and entrancing soundtrack including original and classical works. The atmosphere is perfectly crafted using all these things. Add to that a truly amazing, iconic, and unforgettable performance from Claus Kinski as Count Dracula. I find myself lacking the ability to describe why this film just works. I find almost no flaws in it. Maybe it's the material, and maybe it's the execution, but I suspect it's all of these things. Did this film create a perfect version of the Dracula story or did other versions use this as inspiration? Both? I don't know. Aside from the original Nosferatu, this is the best version of the Dracula tale in my humble opinion.

A strange film indeed. Ned Merrill is a middle aged man who lives in the countryside among various rich estates. At the beginning of the film he shows up at a neighbor's home and is welcomed and loved by all those present. As they discuss various things he is hit with the idea to swim his way home by stopping at each of his neighbor's homes on the way, swimming a lap in their pool. His journey starts off optimistic and full of hope and energy. Each neighbor he meets is happy to see him and we learn a bit more about his character and history. But then we notice others who are less happy to see him until by the end of his journey the people he meets are outright belligerent and hostile. When he finally arrives home, he is met by something he least expected.

It is clear that this film is meant to be allegorical. But what is the message being conveyed? The best I can come up with is that it's better to be home than spend your life "swimming in other people's pools". Ned seems to have an infectious nature that draws many into his dreams and schemes, but then leaves them by the wayside as a victim.

An interesting story, and interesting film. Burt Lancaster and others deliver performances that were truly something to be applauded. The story and writing as well were excellent and I really enjoyed this film.