Wismar, 1838. A chilling fog, thick as grave dust, rolls in from the Baltic, shrouding the ancient port. Within the town’s narrow, cobbled streets, shadows dance with an unnatural life. Young Jonathan Harker, a determined estate agent, bids farewell to his beloved wife, Lucy Harker, her face etched with a premonition she cannot name. His destination: Transylvania, a land whispered to be cursed, to finalize a property purchase with the enigmatic dracula/" target="_blank">Count Dracula. As Jonathan ventures further east, leaving behind the familiar comfort of his home and the watchful eye of his friend Dr. Van Helsing, unsettling events unfold. A pervasive dread settles upon Wismar, a silent plague carried on the breath of the wind, and in a distant asylum, the madman Renfield begins to howl at the moon, his eyes reflecting a darkness that is swiftly approaching.
Movie Overview
| Title | Nosferatu the Vampyre |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1979-01-17 |
| Runtime | 107 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Horror |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Klaus Kinski | Count Dracula |
| Isabelle Adjani | Lucy Harker |
| Bruno Ganz | Jonathan Harker |
| Roland Topor | Renfield |
| Walter Ladengast | Dr. Van Helsing |
| Martje Grohmann | Mina |
| Carsten Bodinus | Schrader |
| Beverly Walker | Abbess |
| Jacques Dufilho | Captain |
| Clemens Scheitz | Clerk |
| John Leddy | Coachman |
| Rudolf Wolf | Coachman |
| Štefan Husár | Coachman |
| Lo van Hensbergen | Councilman |
| Johan te Slaa | Crier |
| Jan Groth | Harbormaster |
| Bo van Hensbergen | Inspector |
| Claude Chiarini | Inspector |
| Margiet van Hartingsveld | Maiden |
| Tim Beekman | Pallbearer |
| Roger Berry Losch | Sailor |
| Rijk de Gooyer | Town Official |
| Dan van Husen | Warden |
| Werner Herzog | Hand and Feet in Box with Rats (uncredited) |
Storyline
In the hauntingly beautiful yet decaying town of Wismar, Jonathan Harker, a determined real estate agent, embarks on a perilous journey to Transylvania to finalize a property transaction with the enigmatic Count Dracula, leaving behind his beloved wife, Lucy Harker. As Jonathan ventures deeper into the Carpathian Mountains, a sense of unease settles upon him, amplified by the unsettling presence of Klaus Kinski’s Count Dracula, a creature of the night whose ancient eyes hold a chilling emptiness. Meanwhile, back in Wismar, Lucy finds herself plagued by disturbing premonitions and a growing dread, sensing the encroaching darkness that threatens to consume her town. As Dracula travels to Wismar, bringing with him a plague of rats that decimate the population, the town descends into chaos, with only Dr. Van Helsing suspecting the supernatural origin of the pestilence. Lucy, realizing the horrific truth, resolves to sacrifice herself to destroy Dracula and save her town. Her valiant act involves distracting Dracula until sunrise, leading to his demise. Though Wismar is saved, the film concludes with Jonathan, now irrevocably changed by his encounter with the vampire, riding into the distance, leaving the audience to question whether the evil has truly been eradicated, or simply relocated. The plague subsides and a sense of grief washes over Wismar, leaving the town forever scarred by the events that transpired, a stark reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of reality.
Details
In Werner Herzog’s chilling reimagining of the Dracula myth, “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” a pall of dread descends upon Wismar as the ancient evil of Count Dracula, portrayed with haunting intensity by Klaus Kinski, is unleashed. Jonathan Harker, played by Bruno Ganz, a determined yet naive estate agent, embarks on a perilous journey to Transylvania to finalize Dracula’s purchase of a Wismar property, leaving behind his beloved wife, Lucy Harker, brought to life by Isabelle Adjani. As Jonathan ventures deeper into the Count’s crumbling castle, he discovers the horrifying truth behind his host’s unnerving demeanor and insatiable thirst. Meanwhile, back in Wismar, Lucy senses an encroaching darkness, a plague-like presence that corresponds with the Count’s voyage by ship, bringing with him hordes of rats symbolizing death and decay. Roland Topor embodies Renfield, a madman imprisoned who shares a psychic link with Dracula, forewarning of the impending doom. As the Black Death sweeps through the town, mirroring Dracula’s parasitic presence, Lucy, with her pure heart and unwavering resolve, becomes humanity’s last hope against the encroaching darkness, a battle against not just a monster, but the despair that he embodies. The themes of mortality, corruption, and the fragility of innocence intertwine with the gothic horror, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
FAQs
What is the movie "Nosferatu the Vampyre" about?
It tells the story of a real estate agent who travels to Transylvania to meet Count Dracula and finalize a property purchase, leaving his wife behind.
What genres does the movie belong to?
The movie falls into the Drama and Horror genres.
Who directed "Nosferatu the Vampyre"?
Werner Herzog directed the movie.
Who are the main actors in the movie?
The main actors are Klaus Kinski as Count Dracula, Isabelle Adjani as Lucy Harker, and Bruno Ganz as Jonathan Harker.
When was "Nosferatu the Vampyre" released?
The movie was released on January 17, 1979.
What is the runtime of "Nosferatu the Vampyre"?
The movie has a runtime of 107 minutes.
What is the original language of the film?
The original language is German (de).
Which countries produced the film?
The film was produced by Germany (DE) and France (FR).
What companies were involved in the production?
Werner Herzog Filmproduktion and Gaumont were involved in the production.
Is "Nosferatu the Vampyre" a remake?
The provided information doesn't explicitly state if it is a remake. However, it is based on the novel by Bram Stoker.
