Shadow of the Vampire is a visually sumptuous treat that works on three levels. It's a fascinating exploration into the making of films in the silent era, a devilishly dark comedy, and a vampire thriller all rolled into one. It's also a picture that takes liberties--meshing real events with a dab of fantasy bringing to mind the wonderful Shakespeare in Love. Shadow of the Vampire chronicles the making of the 1922 vampire classic Nosferatu. Obsessed film-maker F.W. Murnau (John Malkovich) would do anything to get his picture made, no matter how unethical his directing methods might be. This included the hiring of Max Schreck (Willem Dafoe), an eccentric actor who would go to extreme measures to bring to the screen undeniable authenticity to his role as a fiendish bloodsucker. Of course, the question is whether or not Schreck is actually a real vampire, as the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. Through the course of the immensley entertaining Shadow of the Vampire, these questions are answered.

Lets get straight to the heart of the matter. Dafoe is a fantastic actor and has demonstrated enormous range throughout his career, with provocative turns in films like The Last Temptation of Christ, Wild at Heart, and Platoon. He creates an unforgettable portrait in Shadow of the Vampire, as a lonely, feisty soul with neck biting tendencies. Dafoe takes complete and utter glee in bringing Schreck to life, both physically and psychologically. He buries himself in this part, and you will surely forget it is him behind all that fantastic make up. Malkovich is also effective as the persistent director Murnau. A man so callous and selfish, he'd even being willing to give up the life of his leading lady to get his picture made. Watching Malkovich in the directing scenes is a treat, for as is the case with most actors, all they really want to do is direct.

I would like to mention that as fantastic as the acting is in this picture, it is not just a film about strong performances. This is a lush production with spectacular sets, wonderful silent film creations, beautiful cinematography, a gratifying score, and a creepy aura running throughout. It's also got a smart and witty screenplay by Steven Katz and sure handed directing by E. Elias Merhige, who take's a cue from the equally entertaining Ed Wood and Gods and Monsters.

It seems that the last month has seen the release of some truly great films. Add Shadow of the Vampire to that list. If I have a complaint, it's picking between Willem Dafoe for this and Benicio Del Toro for Traffic come Oscar time. Shadow of the Vampire is one of the best films of 2000.