When discussing the origins of vampire films, two titles often come up: Nosferatu and Dracula. While Nosferatu (1922) is credited as the first vampire film, it’s essential to recognize that it was heavily inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897), which laid the groundwork for vampire lore in modern culture.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) introduced Count Dracula, who embodies the archetypal vampire—aristocratic, cunning, and deeply sinister. The novel explores themes of fear, sexuality, and the clash of the old world with modernity. Its structured narrative has influenced countless stories, making it a cornerstone of vampire literature and cinema.
F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922)
Released in 1922, Nosferatu is the first known vampire film, directed by F.W. Murnau. Though unauthorized, it is heavily inspired by Dracula, with several name and plot changes to avoid copyright infringement.
Key Differences in Nosferatu:
- Character: The vampire in Nosferatu is named Count Orlok, a grotesque figure with rat-like features, contrasting Dracula’s aristocratic appearance.
- Setting: The film maintains the Gothic atmosphere but is rooted in Germany and Transylvania, using eerie shadow play as a hallmark of German Expressionism.
- Plot Adjustments: Like Dracula, Orlok tries to expand his territory, but Nosferatu introduces sunlight as his ultimate weakness—a detail not found in Stoker's novel.
Despite these changes, Nosferatu’s connections to Dracula were so apparent that it led to legal battles with Stoker’s widow, confirming the film’s roots in the famous novel. This iconic dispute shows how intertwined these works are, with Nosferatu borrowing heavily from Dracula’s themes and narrative.
The lasting impact of both works has shaped how vampires are portrayed in pop culture, with Dracula presenting a seductive figure and Nosferatu embodying a monstrous entity. Together, they forged a legacy that continues to influence the genre today.
To dive deeper into the connections between these two iconic works and their contributions to vampire cinema, check out my full post: Whose Blood Runs First? Nosferatu vs. Dracula in the Birth of Vampire Films.