Rapturously received at its world premiere in Directors' Fortnight at Cannes 2000, 'Shadow of the Vampire' is a witty, atmospheric and deliciously feverish tale inspired by the great German film director F.W.Murnau and the making of his unforgettable 'Nosferatu'. The film dares to suggest that Murnau made a Faustian pact with an actual vampire to play the title role in exchange for the neck of the leading lady. Anchored by an astounding performance by Willem Dafoe, the film's distinct, offbeat sensibility and its ability to steer a course between its slightly tongue in cheek premise and some genuinely disturbing moments make this one of the most talked about films of the year