When I first heard about the Spice Girls, the first thing that caught me was their names: Baby, Ginger, Sporty, Posh, and Scary. Scary? Have you seen this girl? Doesn't exactly strike fear in the hearts of men (although perhaps affects them in other ways). The Spice Girls recently released a new album, and sales have been less than spectacular. Maybe what this group needs is a new "Scary" that could actually live up to her (or his) name. What the Spice Girls need is William Dafoe!

Shadow of A Vampire is not a great film. It is enjoyable to watch, but that is primarily due to the absolutely awe-inspiring, spine-tingling, blood-curdling performance by William Dafoe as Nosferatu. See this movie to see him!

In this quirky take on the film, the oddly convincing performance by the star was made possible because it was performed by a real vampire. John Malcovich plays the director who views movie-making as a science in the preservation of memory. He demands realism, and he gets that and more from Dafoe, who starts eating members of the cast and crew.

In the scenes where Dafoe is not present, the movie lags. A shot of energy is supplied by the dry wit of Eddie Izzard, and the blistering intensity of Malkovich, but regardless, the audience is just waiting for Dafoe...

And when he appears, you can actually feel the uneasiness in the theater. It's unsettling to say the least. Those lips, those nails, and above all else, THOSE EYES!! And because the other scenes are kind of dull, the scenes with Dafoe are that much more effective!

Shadow of a Vampire is a funny movie, that also has the ability to truly creep out. See it for the cool scenery, the witty script, and above all else for Dafoe--because you never know, this might be his last film before he quits his acting career in exchange for some girl power.



Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older