Shadow of the Vampire

REVIEW
Here's a terrific what-if: What if the classic vampire film Nosferatu had an actual vampire playing the part of the legendary bloodsucker? Director Merhige and screenwriter Steven Katz take this intriguing premise and are only able to deliver on it in short bursts of creativity. Malkovich is the great German director F. W. Murnau, who is preparing his next film, an adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." However, there's an air of mystery hanging over the set concerning the enigmatic actor Max Schreck (Dafoe). The cast thinks him an obsessive method actor; but the man playing a vampire could be one himself. And if he is, what peril awaits the cast? Shadow of the Vampire comes alive whenever the remarkable Dafoe is on-screen. The actor, ahem, sinks his teeth into this juicy role with verve, essaying menace with mocking glee. But when he's not featured, the film is unfocused and lethargic, and there are too many plot inconsistencies. A few choice, macabre moments help keep interest, but considering the talent involved and the promising setup, this should have been far more substantial.