How ‘Nosferatu’s Visual Style Still Inspires Filmmakers Today

The 1922 silent horror masterpiece ‘Nosferatu’, directed by F.W. Murnau, remains one of the most visually influential films in cinema history. Even after more than a century, its eerie aesthetic continues to inspire filmmakers around the world. The film’s haunting use of shadows, distorted angles, and unsettling compositions set a standard for atmospheric horror that has never truly faded.  

One of the most recognisable elements of 0‘Nosferatu’s visual style is its use of exaggerated shadows to evoke dread and suspense. The iconic scene of Count Orlok’s shadow creeping up the staircase has become a visual shorthand for lurking menace. Modern directors such as Guillermo del Toro and Robert Eggers have drawn from these techniques, using shadow and light to build tension without relying on excessive special effects.  

The film also made brilliant use of German Expressionism, with twisted sets, harsh lighting contrasts, and surreal compositions. This visual language continues to influence horror and fantasy films today. Tim Burton’s ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands’ pay homage to this style with their dark, stylised worlds and sharp contrasts.  

Image Courtesy: Kino Film Collection

Beyond horror, ‘Nosferatu’s visual storytelling has also shaped the language of suspense and drama. Alfred Hitchcock, a known admirer of German cinema, carried these stylistic influences into films such as ‘Psycho’ and ‘Shadow of a Doubt’.  

Moreover, modern remakes and reinterpretations of ‘Nosferatu’ itself, like Werner Herzog’s 1979 ‘Nosferatu the Vampyre’, directly reference the original’s visual cues while adapting them for new audiences.  

Ultimately, ‘Nosferatu’  haunting imagery proves that good storytelling does not age. Its emphasis on mood, atmosphere, and visual tension continues to inspire directors who understand that what is left unseen — and the shadows cast — often create the greatest fear in cinema.

–Farheen Ali