Abstract #2

1.Summary:
Film: Nosferatu is an adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, with mainly names changed. Hutter, a clerk, is sent to the castle of Count Orlok to finalize a house sale. There he meets Count Orlok and slowly comes to the realization that he is a Nosferatu. However, he is to late to stop count Orlok from moving back to Wisborg. He sets off to return and stop Orlok. Meanwhile, Orlok is traveling via ship. He kills off the ships crew one by one, until only the captain remains. He arrives at Wisborg and moves into his home. Around that time Hutter returns. His Wife reads a book that tells her how to kill the Nosferatu, by luring him and making him forget the dawn. She does this despite Hutter's cautions.

Jew's Nose: The text is about the perception of Jewish appearance throughout the 18th through 20th century. In the 18th and early 19th century Jews were viewed as diseased and “black.” As they assimilated into different populations, they adopted the features of the local populace and began to be viewed as their own race. However, Jews were still viewed as inferior, and they continued to view themselves as inferior to other races and wished to be more like the societal norm. Many went as far as to have nose reduction surgery.


2.Nosferatu: a Romanian word synonymous with Vampire
Diaspora: An ethnicity scattering instead of remaining together
plica polonica: Polish Plait, a condition where hair because a solid mass due to poor hygiene
Fin de siècle: A period of decline of an era, but at the same time, the growth of a new age


3.Questions: Why was Ellen sensing the approach of Count Orlok?
Why was she the one who had to be sacrificed?
If Nosferatu is a Jew, what does the coffin represent? Why bald?

Comments: I enjoyed the movie, although I found the book to be much more interesting plotwise.