F. W. Murnau (1888–1931)

Silent classic lacks a bit of continuity, and the acting is overdone (except Schreck as the rat-like vampire), but the settings (the outdoor ones) are superb, the reconstructed music score of this 2006 German restoration is excellent, and the vampire himself is unforgettable. Also, take a look at the consistently wild hairstyles almost all the characters have--even those who are supposed to be normal. I'm glad I watched this after reading about it and seeing its classic images for most of my show more life. Not as good as the Bela Lugosi Dracula film--but at least better than Stoker's novel, since Nosferatu omits all the silliness and the infuriatingly stupid Van Helping (whose counterpart here is not a major character at all.) show less

A hotel doorman is disproportionately upset about being demoted.

I don't know why this is highly regarded. Maybe it's because not many people watch something with such a dull story unless they're predisposed to like a dull movie. Apart from the historical importance of the cinematography (which is ground-breaking, but pretty basic by modern standards), there is no reason to watch this.

Concept: F
Story: D
Characters: C
Dialog: B
Pacing: F
Cinematography: B
Special effects/design: B
Acting: C
Music: show more B

Enjoyment: F

GPA: 1.7/4 show less

Doomed lovers in the South Pacific try to run from their culture.

2/4 (Indifferent).

Considering it's a silent drama, it could be much worse; it tends more towards classical tragedy than melodrama. But it's all very predictable and uninteresting.

A summoned demon tries to destroy a man's goodness.

It's very cool in the beginning. After the point where Faust turns young (and the demon inexplicably turns into a fop), I got bored.

Concept: A
Story: B
Characters: D
Dialog: C
Pacing: D
Cinematography: B
Special effects/design: A
Acting: C
Music: B

Enjoyment: C minus

Objective Rating (Average): 2.5/4