Didn't Max Schreck's family have problems with the fact that Max is presented in this movie as a killer vampire? And what about F.W. Murnau? Wasn't his family offended by his portrayal in this movie?
"I can change almost anything... but I can't change human nature." -Dr. Manhattan
The family which was rightfully offended was Bram Stoker's. His widow refused Murnau the rights to use the book "Dracula" and so he changed a couple of minor things and went ahead anyway. What a ego this man had!
He got his after the movie was filmed. The Bram Stokers family brought a lawsuit down on him and the studio and bankrupted both of them.The family had all the copies and negatives burned and the only reason this film is around at all is a print and a negative that they missed.
I know Murnau was a brilliant man-why didn't he think Stokers widow would do anything?
"He's not the messiah,he's a very,very,naughty boy,now,piss off" Monty Pythons "Life of Brian"
But I asked about "Shadow of the Vampire"; not "Nosferatu"...
"I can change almost anything... but I can't change human nature." -Dr. Manhattan
I doubt anyone would use this as a solid source on researching the personalities and motivations of Schreck and Murnau. Its pretty obvious that this is an alternate reality where the actors are vampires and the director is a madman.
I can't speak for whether those descendants were offended or not, but I dont think they should be. It's pretty obvious that this was meant to be a fun interesting take on the history of Nosferatu, not a slanderous piece against Murnau.
Did Murnau and Shreck leave any descendants? Shreck died at 56 and Murnau was Gay I think or at least more in love with his art then woman.
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