In order to lend authenticity to his classic 1922 horror Nosferatu, the megalomaniac director, F.W. Murnau (John Malkovich), enters into a pact with a real life vampire (Dafoe) to star in his film. Perhaps a little unsure whether it wants to be a comedy, horror or offer an intriguing - if slightly overemphasised - treatise on the vampiric nature of film itself, Shadow of the Vampire feels a little laboured and saggy in places. Such are the weight of the performances, however, that the film is ultimately a triumph of sorts with Dafoe especially in stunning form as the bloodsucker. Expect an Oscar nomination.
