Rogue Cinema - Bram Stoker's Walpurgis Nacht (2007)

Bram Stoker's Walpurgis Nacht (2007) - By Timothy Martinez
Posted on Sunday, April 01 @ Mountain Daylight Time by Duane

The best description for this film is the one provided by the filmmakers themselves: Despite warnings, a headstrong British solicitor goes sightseeing in Eastern Germany only to encounter more than he was willing to believe. It's short, concise and to the point. Based on deleted pages from the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, and shot in black and white, the film is a self-professed exploration into the genre of gothic horror.

Running less than five minutes sans credits, the film is also one that can be easily viewed, digested and reflected upon. The look of the movie is absolutely great. The black and white photography really helps to evoke the feeling that one is watching something old. It also greatly aids in establishing the proper atmosphere. Despite the short running time, the film is able to create an eerie moment or two, simply through its visuals. The short scene in a crypt was so well framed and shot, that I’d love to see director David Kruschke work again with such themes on a more lengthy project.

If there is one bad thing about this film, it is the sound. Yes, the sound, music and narration sound great, but that is the problem: it sounds great. A few pops and clicks to help sell the idea that this is an old gothic horror would have helped. However, this is nothing major and is easily overlooked in view of the film’s positive attributes. In fact, sound quality issues aside, I felt that the music was very appropriate for the material being presented.

To see the film for yourself, visit http://www.ifilm.com/video/2674739.