Bloodsucking Cinema: Stoker, "Nosferatu" and "Dracula" Analytical Essay by scribbler

Bloodsucking Cinema: Stoker, "Nosferatu" and "Dracula"
A comparative analysis of depictions of the vampire in the novel "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, in the film "Nosferatu" directed by F.W. Murnau and the film "Dracula" directed by Tod Browning.
# 153149 | 1,466 words | 5 sources | MLA | 2013 | US
Published on May 03, 2013 in Film (Analysis, Criticism, Etc.) , Literature (European (other))


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Description:

The paper analyzes the depictions of the vampire in the novel "Dracula", as well as in the films "Nosferatu" directed by F.W. Murnau and "Dracula" directed by Tod Browning, and shows how the book and films have differed in their definition and portrayal of Dracula. The paper finds that though audiences became enraptured by Stoker's novel in 1897, it is Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula in the film "Dracula" that has become iconic and can be considered the definitive Dracula. The paper reveals that Lugosi's Dracula has been used to style Hollywood's Dracula from Christopher Lee to Frank Langella, and, Lugosi's Dracula influence can even be seen in commercial advertising in Count Chocula and in children's programming such as Sesame Street. The paper concludes that though bastardizations of the vampire myth and genre are highly popular to this date, it is through Stoker, Murnau, and Lugosi that audiences came under Dracula's spell.

From the Paper:

"Vampires have captured the imagination and haunted the nightmares of various peoples throughout the world and ages. Though there were various vampire stories prior to 1897, the most famous depiction was created by Bram Stoker in the novel Dracula. There have been various interpretations of the novel, including several theatrical plays and screenplays. Since it's publication in 1897, Dracula has not been out of print and continues to fascinate audiences worldwide. Most famously, Dracula was adapted for the screen by Henrik Galeen without proper consent from Stoker's widow. Stoker's estate, on behalf of his widow, sued for copyright infringement and won, effectively ordering that all copies of the film be destroyed. The film in question is 1922's Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (Nosferatu, A Symphony of Terror). Fortunately, copies of Nosferatu were overlooked and the film remains influential to this date, inspiring a cacophony of horror films and helping to define a cinematic genre.
"Depictions of the vampire in the novel Dracula, as well as in the films Nosferatu directed by F.W. Murnau and Dracula directed by Tod Browning, have differed and defined Dracula. Stoker draws upon historical descriptions of Dracula and Transylvania to paint a haunting tale of death, seduction, and terror (McNally 13). Additionally, Stoker incorporates many geo-social idiosyncrasies of myth and superstition to create a tale of chilling horror."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Browning, Tod, dir. Dracula. Universal Pictures, 1931. Film.
  • "German Expressionism." Introduction to Film. 13 September 2005. Web.
  • McNally, Raymond T. and Radu Florescu. In Search of Dracula. Warner Paperback Library, New York: 1973.
  • Murnau, F.W., dir. Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens. Prana Films, 1922. Film.
  • Stoker, Bram. The Annotated Dracula. Ed. Leonard Wolf and Satty. Ballantine Books, New York: 1975. Print.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

Bloodsucking Cinema: Stoker, "Nosferatu" and "Dracula" (2013, May 03) Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/bloodsucking-cinema-stoker-nosferatu-and-dracula-153149/

MLA Format

"Bloodsucking Cinema: Stoker, "Nosferatu" and "Dracula"" 03 May 2013. Web. 20 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/bloodsucking-cinema-stoker-nosferatu-and-dracula-153149/>

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