Murnau's illegal version of Stoker's Dracula, "Nosferatu" is a renowned classic of its time, and will forever leave its mark in history. Swelling from a time of confusion, anger, decay, and general disarray, the film brings light to the situation the filmmakers found themselves enveloped in. Though a magical adaptation of the novel and a marvel of filmmaking, Murnau's "Nosferatu" has more important historical implications and can explain much about the time and place it was created in. .
Like many films that spawned in the Weimar Era, "Nosferatu" makes statements about the fear and paranoia of the time. Though taken from an earlier novel, Murnau puts his own twists and meanings behind the action. Taking Orlock as a direct representation of the Nazi Party and the general population being portrayed by the extras and small roles, it is immediately apparent that fear is a large part of the society. The townspeople being deathly afraid of "the man" sitting in his castle watching over everyone is an obvious parallel. There are those who knowingly help the evil grow (i.e. Knock), and there are those who aid unknowingly (i.e. Hutter). Orlock's bringing of the plague (rats) is an interesting way of making known the terror of the Nazi Party. Just as many lived in fear and hatred of their government, the people of Bremen lived in utter fear of the Count. .
Murnau's depiction of Orlock vs. Hutter/Government vs. Populace is displayed through several devices to be a blatant Good vs. Evil situation. Effectively employing such devices as light/dark, tall/short, and framing, Murnau conveys his intentions. Naturally, light represents good, and darkness evil. The early scenes with Hutter and his wife are very light, as with any scene containing the two together. The town scenes are fairly well lit, a medium between good and evil. Orlock's castle is very dark, stark shadows cast on the walls and floors, the Count himself dimly lit.
