Just in time for Halloween, the James Theater held a screening of the iconic silent horror film “Nosferatu” to celebrate its 101st anniversary.

First released in 1922, director F.W. Murnau’s retelling of the 1897 novel “Dracula” is considered a classic of the horror genre by many fans, inspiring many recreations to this day.

Before the film even started, the moody and spooky music heard in the lobby set the tone for what audience members walking into the theater could expect. According to one audience member, Ben Clayes, establishing mood is the primary function of music in horror movies.

“It’s so important,” Clayes explained. “It helps control your emotion; when to be scared and when not to be.”

Because “Nosferatu” is a silent film, it seemed like the perfect idea to screen it alongside an original live score.

Last year, Belcourt brought on New Zealand artist Dream Chambers and Nashville acts Eve Maret and Belly Full of Stars to compose an original electronic score.

Now on tour across America, the three artists brought their modern synth sound to Iowa City to perform at the James.

Although typically unorthodox to mix old film with modern music, the combination mutually elevated both art forms.

“It’s an opportunity for [the musicians and the film] to share the same room and share a conversation,” the James’ Stage Manager Grace Merritt said. “It’s really cool to be able to put art made 101 years ago into active conversation with art being made today,” she continued.

“Nosferatu” is a very well-known historical work of film and has served as the foundation for many of the horror genre tropes we still see today.

“It’s very unnerving and very surreal,” Merritt said.

Another audience member, Jonathan Sims, had seen the film by itself several times before, but never like this.

“I thought it was a more special experience,” Sims said. “Made it a one-of-a-kind thing.”

As the film began, the live music slowly built up and immersed the audience in the gothic atmosphere of the vampire classic.

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Before the true horror started and the film established the story and characters, the score eased the audience into a trance-like state. The bass of the synth noises reverberated through the theater, immersing audience members in the experience.

As the film played in front of the audience, the artists were visible the whole time. A spotlight kept them visible on stage left as the film was projected in the center; musicians followed along with the plot in their live rendition of the score.

“It’s cool to see the artists react in real-time to the movie,” Merritt said.