'Vampyr'

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an overview of the 1932 production, Vampyr, including an analysis of the influence of German expressionism on the work. In addition, this paper provides an examination of Dreyer's usage of techniques such as minimal dialogue and plot, and innovative light and shadow to maintain the feeling of an "art film" throughout. Further, a discussion of the intent of psychological disturbance possibly inspired by Gothic ghost stories and an assessment of the underlying forbidden themes of sexuality is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The manner in which the horror elements are presented in films also reflects the changing styles by which the unspeakable is represented. For instance, Andrew reports that while Hollywood in the classical era of the 1930s and 1940s primarily relied on makeup and model work to depict monsters incarnating whatever horror the film could evoke, the European cinema of the 1920s frequently used other elements such as camera movement and optical effects as used by Carl T. Dreyer in his 1932 production of "Vampyr". Unlike many of the other permutations that would grace the nation's movie screens in the years to come, though, Dreyer's "Vampyr" was not based on Bram Stoker's character, "Dracula," but was rather inspired by "Carmilla," as discussed further below."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andrew, Dudley. Concepts in Film Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1984.
• Auerbach, Nina. Our Vampires, Ourselves. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995.
• Cook, David A. A History of Narrative Film. New York: W. W. Norton, 1996.
• Glover, David. Vampires, Mummies, and Liberals: Bram Stoker and the Politics of Popular Fiction. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1996.
• Heldreth, Leonard G. and Mary Pharr (Eds). The Blood Is the Life: Vampires in Literature. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1999.

More papers on 'Vampyr':

• Analytical Essay # 16582 : "The Precedents Set by John Polidori's "The Vampyre"
• Book Review # 107300 : "Polidori's and Byron's Vampirism"
• Analytical Essay # 8466 : "Sherlock Holmes - the Man and his Enemies"

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