Which film character's portrayal was influenced by Max Schreck in Murnau's "Nosferatu"?

The portrayal of Count Orlok in Murnau's "Nosferatu" was significantly influenced by Max Schreck, who played the character. Schreck’s performance is iconic for its eerie and unsettling qualities, bringing a new level of horror to the vampire genre. His physically transformative makeup and menacing presence infused Count Orlok with characteristics that aligned closely with the themes of fear and the supernatural that define early horror cinema.

The design of Orlok, particularly the stark facial features, elongated fingers, and rat-like appearance, draws inspiration from both the gothic horror tradition and Schreck's unique acting style. This representation diverged from earlier depictions of vampires, making Orlok a distinct and memorable figure tied to the film's expressionist aesthetic. Understanding how Schreck's portrayal of Orlok foreshadowed future interpretations of vampire characters helps illuminate the evolution of the vampire archetype in cinema.

The other options, while related to the broader vampire mythos, do not encapsulate the direct influence of Schreck's contribution as Count Orlok does. Count Dracula is a separate character originating from Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula's assistant is a more generalized term without a specific connection to Schreck, and Vlad the Impaler is a historical figure