CFKane-2

It is easy to see a film such as Nosferatu and discard it out of hand as being dated. What makes Nosferatu such an important film is that it was released in 1922. It was the first, and arguably the best, screen adaptation of Bram Stoker's gothic classic, "Dracula". F. W. Murnau's use of expressionistic makeup, lighting, and shadows would later manifest themselves in countless horror films of later decades. The conventions for screen horror were developed in Nosferatu and are still common (albeit in a modified form) in contemporary horror movies.

The only thing that bothered me about Nosferatu was the overstated acting. This acting style is typical of silent film, and I do not discredit Nosferatu on account of this.

Marta Meszaros brings a subtle, yet effective critique of both communist Hungary and the patriarchal system that existed there in the mid 1970s. This film does move slowly, but that is part of what makes it great. It is shot in the social realism style. This means that there are long drawn-out shots, often with little dialogue. Slow camera movements are also a hallmark of this style. Since Adoption was made well outside of the Hollywood system, it does not adhere to the conventions that many American moviegoers would expect. If action-adventure is your kind of movie, skip this one. If, however, you are intrigued by a well told story pertaining to everyday life, this film is worth checking out.