While the recent Nosferatu film adaptation may have divided audiences, the core concept of Nosferatu as a terrifying vampire figure remains eternally fascinating. But What Is Nosferatu beyond a movie title or a Halloween costume? Let’s delve into the origins, characteristics, and cultural impact of this iconic creature of the night.
Nosferatu, at its heart, is a vampire. However, the term is most strongly associated with the 1922 silent horror film Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror), directed by F.W. Murnau. This film was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Because Murnau couldn’t secure the rights to the novel, he made alterations to the story, characters, and names, resulting in a distinct, albeit derivative, work.
One of the most significant changes was the vampire’s name. Instead of Count Dracula, Murnau’s vampire was Count Orlok, also known as Nosferatu. The physical appearance was also drastically different. While Dracula is typically portrayed as a charismatic and aristocratic figure, Orlok, played by Max Schreck, is a gaunt, rat-like creature with pointed ears, long fingernails, and bulging eyes. This grotesque depiction cemented the image of Nosferatu as a plague-ridden monster.
The term “Nosferatu” itself predates Murnau’s film. Its etymology is debated, with some scholars suggesting it derives from the Romanian word “nesuferitu,” meaning “insufferable” or “repugnant.” Others link it to words related to disease and the undead. Regardless of its precise origin, the name “Nosferatu” carries a connotation of something deeply unpleasant and uncanny.
In Murnau’s Nosferatu, Count Orlok brings not only terror but also plague to the city of Wisburg (a fictionalized version of Wismar, Germany). He is depicted as a carrier of disease, reflecting anxieties about hygiene, public health, and foreign threats prevalent in the early 20th century. The film’s visual style, with its stark shadows and distorted perspectives, further emphasizes the sense of dread and unease.
Unlike some vampires in folklore, Nosferatu is particularly vulnerable to sunlight. In the film, he is destroyed when the heroine, Ellen Hutter, sacrifices herself by keeping him occupied until dawn, at which point the sun’s rays incinerate him. This weakness highlights his connection to the darkness and his role as a creature of the night.
While Nosferatu was initially intended as a direct adaptation of Dracula, the changes made to the story and character have given Nosferatu a unique place in vampire lore. He is often seen as a more primal and monstrous figure than the suave and seductive Dracula.
The legacy of Nosferatu extends far beyond Murnau’s film. The image of Count Orlok has been referenced and parodied in countless films, television shows, and other media. Werner Herzog’s 1979 film Nosferatu the Vampyre is a notable remake that pays homage to the original while adding its own distinct style and interpretations. The character of Nosferatu also continues to appear in literature, comics, and video games, solidifying his status as a enduring figure in popular culture.
In conclusion, what is Nosferatu? He’s more than just a vampire; he’s a cultural symbol representing disease, fear, and the uncanny. He is a grotesque departure from the romanticized vampire figure, offering a chilling glimpse into the darker side of the undead. From his unsettling appearance to his vulnerability to sunlight, Nosferatu remains a powerful and enduring icon of horror.
