The 1922 silent film “Nosferatu” was screened by Iowa State University’s German program of the Department of World Languages and Cultures last Thursday in the spirit of Halloween.
“We put it on for community,” Dr. Jenny Robins, an assistant teaching professor of German, said. “It’s fun for this time of year, and it’s something where you can just take a little bit of a breather and have a good time together.”
The German department started a biannual, once-a-semester German movie night. It has been established for two years.
This year’s choice of the German movie “Nosferatu” allowed students to see the original silent film, which is praised for its cinematography and storytelling for its time.
“Nosferatu” was created by Ablin Grau, a German producer, after direct inspiration from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. In fact, “Nosferatu” was so similar that Stoker’s widow sued for copyright infringement.
Stoker won the lawsuit, meaning “Nosferatu” could never have seen the light of day. Despite this, Nosferatu was still released in the U.S.
It follows a real estate agent, Thomas Hutter, and his wife, Ellen Hutter, in the town of Wisborg. Thomas Hutter travels to Transylvania to meet a prospective buyer, Count Orlok.
Soon, he discovers the true vampiric nature of Count Orlok, who becomes obsessed with Ellen Hutter after seeing a picture of her.
The town is plunged into danger when the vampire moves into the estate across from the Hutters. Ellen Hutter soon gives in to the eerie pull of Count Orlok, luring him to her home, where he becomes transfixed with drinking her blood.
As time passed and the sun came up, Count Orlok got caught in the sunlight, reducing him to dust.
The option to go see a festive movie for free in a low-stress environment can help students who feel overwhelmed with coursework.
As a silent film, it utilized exaggerated reactions from actors and a dramatic portrayal of a vampire to become the quirky and comedic movie it is known as today.
“We were laughing the entire time,” Emma Peters, a freshman studying biochemistry, said. “It’s helpful to get out and not focus on schoolwork all of the time.”
“I liked the parts that were intended to be scary,” Lexi Luxmore, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, said. “Like when [Orlok] walked around all creepy, and the use of creepy in a serious manner. It was enjoyable.”
The Department of World Languages and Cultures focuses on fostering student engagement through language and culture education. They will continue to host future German movie nights for students.