NosferatuandDracula, at first glance, couldn’t be more different.
The former is about a pale-skinned, inhuman-looking creature who feasts on blood and hides in the shadows.
Count Orlok has hypnotized his way to a prime spot on the rating platform.
Image by Zanda Rice
In contrast,Nosferatu’s Count Orlok (Max Schreck)is an utterly repulsive creature.
There’s also a difference between the ways Dracula and Orlok present themselves.
Where Dracula welcomes his prey, Orlok shuns the light - preferring to reside completely in darkness.
Image via Film Arts Guild
Dracula’s bite transforms his victims into a vampire, but Orlok outright kills most of his victims.
While feeding on Ellen,he’s caught in the sun’s rays and disintegrates.
In an ironic twist,Castlevaniafeatures Dracula as a major antagonist, bringing the influence full circle.
Image via Film Arts Guild
Nosferatuis also significantbecause it’s the first vampire story to link the idea of vampirism to demonic forces.
Dracula also transforms into wolves and rats, rather than influencing their movements.
Judging from the reaction to Eggers’Nosferatu, it looks like those differences will continue to bear fruit.
In Nosferatu, a reclusive vampire’s presence disrupts a small European village, drawing an unsuspecting young couple into a battle against an ancient evil. As fear spreads, the villagers must confront the terrifying legend and their own beliefs, leading to suspenseful confrontations and chilling revelations.
Nosferatustalks into cinemas on December 25.
