Shadow of the Vampire

Released 2000
Stars John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Cary Elwes, Eddie Izzard, Udo Kier, Catherine McCormack, Ronan Vibert
Directed by E. Elias Merhige

Determined to make the most authentic vampire movie ever, director F W Murnau (John Malkovich) employs a real vampire, Max Schreck (Willem Dafoe), whose unusual behavior Murnau has explained to the crew by saying that he is a fastidious method actor. As payment Schreck has been promised drug addicted beauty Greta (Catherine McCormack) - Nosferatu's leading-lady. Through a series of attacks on the crew, Schreck's identity begins to cause suspicion and ultimately Murnau must confess the truth to the crew. But they are stranded on an island. How will the crew escape the blood-thirsty vampire?

Summary from www.netflix.com

This is a fictionalized account of the making of the classic film "Nosferatu," and it's a blast. The premise is since Max Schreck was so convincing in the 1922 classic, perhaps he really was a vampire. "Shadow of the Vampire" runs with the premise and gives us loads of drama, comedy, and horror. Willem Dafoe is simply brilliant as Schrek. My only complaint is the Hollywood tradition of presenting a story in Europe with English speaking actors affecting the local accent. It's silly, and I much prefer watching a film in its native language. --Bill Alward, August 1, 2001