The Historical Roots of Nosferatu

The 1922 film Nosferatu is deeply rooted in the historical context of World War I, reflecting the horrors and conditions experienced by soldiers during the conflict. Director F.W. Murnau, along with producer Albin Grau and star Max Schreck, drew inspiration from their traumatic experiences in the trenches, which influenced the chilling atmosphere of the film. Grau's fascination with the occult led him to incorporate themes of spiritualism and folklore, including the notion that a vampire can only be defeated through a blood sacrifice. This blend of horror and occultism set the foundation for vampire cinema, distinguishing Nosferatu as a pioneering piece that diverged from later, more sanitized portrayals of vampires.