Ashley and Joel discuss the under appreciated film, 'Shadow of the Vampire,' analyzing its portrayal of the relationship between the filmmaker and the titular vampire, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the pursuit of artistic greatness.

The conversation explores various themes surrounding the film industry, particularly focusing on the dark comedy of vampire films, the artistic sacrifices made by actors and directors, and the historical context of filmmaking in post-World War I Germany. The hosts discuss the impact of directors on their actors, the evolution of film as an art form, and the moral implications of creating art at the expense of personal well-being.

WANNA TAKE A VAMPIRE TOUR WITH US IN NEW ORLEANS THIS NOVEMBER? https://www.patreon.com/posts/wanna-take-tour-132076903?

What's Next for the Articulate Coven?

All dates are for Patron availability, regular podcast apps & YouTube has the episode a day later.

August 17th: Book Club - Blood Canticle Part 2 - Chapters 11 - 21

August 24th: Movie Night - The Howling (1981)

August 31st: Book Club - Blood Canticle Part 3 - Chapters 22-31

September 7th: Movie Night - Teen Witch (1989)

September 14th: Special Guest Episode!

September 21st: Joel's Birthday Livestream

NEW MERCH!! "We Will Call It Sin When We Cannot Profit From It" and "Abracasazerac" are up now! http://articulatecoven.com/merch

Thank you to Patron, Toby Krstevski

Book your rooms for Anne Rice’s Celebration of Life on our room block, 

Sheraton Hotel New Orleans

500 Canal Street

New Orleans, LA 70130

Articulate Coven Podcast Room Block: October 29 - November 1, 2025 (with ability to extend below pricing 2 days before or after)

Standard King: $179 + 16.75% tax + $3 city fee per room, per night

Standard 2 Double Bed $189 + 16.75% tax + $3 city fee per room, per night

Link to book: https://book.passkey.com/e/51017010

If you haven’t already, please respond to our poll on whether or not you’re attending the weekend: 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-you-joining-125055937

If you like Anne Rice and her vampires or witches enough to read this, then you like them enough to join our cult...I mean Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/articulatecoven/ 

If Facebook isn’t your thing, we also have a Discord: https://articulatecoven.com/discord or follow us on Threads, Bluesky, TikTok or Instagram @articulatecovenpod

This episode & all of our videos are made possible by our Patrons.

Thank you to our Fledglings: Sharlien, Gaica, Amiee DiBrango, Heather Heise, Mel Rosina, Sarah Louise, Mimi, Holly Robertson, The Shermanator, Casey Forester, Natalie Perkins, GrumpyOldBob56, Tristan Floyd, Kristi Bartels, Mélissa Bouchard, Amber Dawn Jennings, Yali, Josephine, Claire Punke and Rose.

Thank you to our Makers: Gabbi Necklen, Angela Stephenson, Mendi Raftery, Mandy Taylor, Judith Tigner, Dani Moreira, Derek Lord, Brittany Cavness, Toby Krstevski, Dorothy Johnson, Nicole Mazza, Periwinkle000, Karyn L., OnHerPeriods, Stephanie Deal, Aly Galloway, Kevin, ComixFan, Cortney, Gertzy Zee, Tammy Issac, Dani Dunziellas, Katen, Michelle Smith, Jessica Sargent, Lucia Grey, Patrick Garrone and Kimbra Quezergue.

Thank to Children of the Millenia: Madame Mère, Catherine Thurmond, Loriann O'Malia, Donny Kanone, Jennifer Morgan, Danielle Rupino, Jolee, Mandy B., Stephen Dean, Zach, Cassandra Silvia, Brat Prince Bran, Tanea, Natalie W and Jane Prust.

and Our Eternal Gratitude to Queen of the Damned, Nancee Ward.

Get episodes & videos on our Patreon, a week earlier than YouTube. http://articulatecoven.com/join

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Shadow of the Vampire: A Unique Perspective

07:59 The Transition from Stage to Screen

10:13 The Dark Side of Directing

13:21 The Evolution of Film and Theater

14:23 Post-War Germany: A Cultural Melting Pot

15:51 Character Dynamics: Producers and Actors

16:48 The Complexity of Performance

17:38 The Art of Silent Film

19:12 The Nature of Directing

20:43 The Price of Art: Sacrifices in Filmmaking

22:40 Remaking a Classic: The Legacy of Nosferatu

30:13 The Complexity of Orla's Character

32:05 Willem Dafoe's Performance as Nosferatu

33:15 Cameos and Connections in Vampire Lore

34:41 Philosophical Conversations on Reality and Art

36:27 The Cost of Art and Sacrifice

38:29 The Dark Side of Filmmaking

46:58 The Final Act: Art or Exploitation?

48:45 Reflections on Nosferatu and Its Legacy