In "Shadow of the Vampire," the enigmatic character of Max Schreck, the actor portrayed as a real vampire, was masterfully played by Willem Dafoe. Dafoe's performance is central to the film's premise, providing a haunting and compelling portrayal of Schreck. This role earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His depiction skillfully combines elements of horror with a sense of underlying tragedy, adding depth to the film's exploration of the boundaries between reality and fiction in the world of filmmaking. Dafoe's portrayal stands out as a significant contribution to the vampire genre in cinema.