Robert Eggers revives the classic horror film *Nosferatu*, originally directed by F. W. Murnau in 1922. Eggers, a longtime admirer of the film, has infused his remake with a fresh perspective, emphasizing the character of Ellen and enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Set in 1838, the narrative follows Thomas Hutter as he encounters the eerie Count Orlok. The film features striking visuals and a talented cast, including Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård, and premieres this Wednesday.
Reviving a Classic: Robert Eggers Takes on *Nosferatu*
In an era where Hollywood often shies away from bold choices, it takes a unique blend of madness and talent to embark on a new remake of *Nosferatu the Vampire*, the iconic film from German expressionist cinema pioneer F. W. Murnau, which first graced the screen in 1922. Following a significant reinterpretation by Werner Herzog in 1979 featuring Klaus Kinski and Isabelle Adjani, the spotlight now turns to promising young director Robert Eggers, who offers his own captivating vision of this timeless tale, debuting in theaters this Wednesday.
Eggers’ Journey to Bring *Nosferatu* Back to Life
Reflecting on his long-awaited project, Eggers shares, *”It’s an idea I’ve been working on a bit stupidly for a decade.”* He admits that his efforts often fell short, with numerous setbacks and a lack of support from producers. *”Three or four years ago, I was convinced it would never happen. As if Murnau was telling me: ‘Don’t do this!'”* he jokes, acknowledging the challenges of tackling such an influential work. Eggers emphasizes the internal struggle one faces when taking on a project steeped in history and legacy.
The original *Nosferatu* serves as a veiled adaptation of Bram Stoker’s *Dracula*, which Murnau could not secure the rights to. Following its release, the widow of Stoker sought to destroy all existing copies, yet some films survived, circulating through the U.S. and France in the 1930s. This film is often hailed as one of the earliest horror films, blending poetic artistry with an unsettling atmosphere.
As a devoted fan of the original, Eggers has infused his remake with the same sinister essence. Set in 1838 in the German port city of Wisbourg, the story follows Thomas Hutter, a young notary’s clerk sent to Transylvania to finalize a real estate transaction with the enigmatic Count Orlok. Despite warnings from his wife Ellen, who is plagued by nightmares, Hutter bravely ventures into the unknown, risking everything for love and ambition.
Eggers recalls his initial encounter with Murnau’s film at the age of nine and his subsequent theatrical adaptation as a teenager. He acknowledges the profound impact *Nosferatu* has had on many, including himself, stating, *”After that, it’s not enough to be obsessed with something and to be a bit of a silly worshipper. You need a good reason to remake it.”* His compelling reason stems from a modernized interpretation that revitalizes the narrative.
Drawing inspiration from Murnau and screenwriter Henrik Galeen’s portrayal of Ellen as a sleepwalker, Eggers decided to amplify her role within the story. He explains, *”In the 19th century, people thought these individuals were connected to another world. I thought that if I amplified the female character by placing her at the heart of the story, there was potential for a stronger emotional and more psychologically complex narrative.”*
Enhanced by the striking chiaroscuro photography of cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, Eggers’ *Nosferatu* envelops audiences in an eerie and haunting atmosphere, contrasting sharply with Francis Ford Coppola’s vibrant *Dracula* from the early 1990s. Despite the film’s dark themes, viewers are left mesmerized by the haunting beauty of this gothic nightmare and its captivating cast.
British actor Nicholas Hoult, currently starring in Clint Eastwood’s *Juré N°2*, delivers a compelling performance as the troubled young husband, while Lily-Rose Depp shines as a wise Victorian beauty, grappling with her own demons. Eggers praises Depp’s bravery and raw talent, recalling how she moved the entire team to tears during her audition.
Lastly, the filmmaker addresses the remarkable portrayal by Bill Skarsgård, who previously terrified audiences as a killer clown in the recent adaptation of Stephen King’s *It*. Eggers notes the challenges Skarsgård faced in embodying such a dark character, stating, *”I remember the day when, after several attempts, his gaze disappeared behind that of Orlok. It was very exciting… and frankly creepy.”*
Don’t miss Robert Eggers’ *Nosferatu*, featuring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård. Runtime: 2h12. In theaters this Wednesday.