Nosferatu Rises to the Occasion: Review
Last night as a Christmas gift to myself I went and saw Robert Eggers newest horror film, Nosferatu, one of my most anticipated horror films of the year.
For those not in the know, Nosferatu is the remake of the 1922 German silent film by the same name, which was originally an adaptation of the classic Bram Stoker novel Dracula with some names changed to avoid any copyright issues. The attempt would prove to be unsuccessful as Bram Stokers widow would sue the filmmakers and order that all copies of the film be destroyed. Fortunately for cinephiles worldwide a few copies had already been sent overseas to the states, and the rest is history.
Robert Eggers Nosferatu is a haunted portrait of romance and terror. The film bleeds a shivering gothic atmosphere through it’s performances and technical marvels. To start, the films cinematography was hypnotically stunning, the use of framing and its masterful movements concocted a blend of dread and excitement in me with each tilt and pan. Furthermore, there are a handful of transitions that are so seamless you feel as if you’re in a trance, not unlike Count Orlocks victims. The cinematography was emphasized by the brilliant lighting and use of shadows, which are utilized in jaw dropping ways throughout multiple scenes. All of this is also wrapped up in a spine tingling score crafted by Robin Carolan and 60 string player to craft a spiraling and disorienting sound.
Another fun fact about the films technical aspect, is that the film had over 2,000 live rats on set for some of its scenes. The film also contains about 60 set pieces (as opposed to the industry standard of about a dozen) to flesh out the world and bring life to the 1830s German village. These sets were also covered in detailed props tailored to each character and set piece. Eggers astute attention to detail has become a staple of his filmography, with Nosferatu being the crowning jewel of example.
The films ensemble cast hardly brings a false note, the most notable performances being Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter, the unfortunate target of Orlocks obsession and Count Orlock himself Bill Skarsgard. Depp captivates just about every scene she’s in, carrying an Oscar worthy balance of dread for what’s coming, as well as the inevitability of it all. Depp also has the most versatile performance of the ensemble cast with having to switch between a portrait of fading innocence and a horrifically tortured victim of something otherworldly. Skarsgard completely loses himself in the role of Count Orlock, with his body and voice being twisted beyond any recognition. He commands your attention everytime he’s on screen, and even when he’s not his presence is still felt.
Nicholas Hoult holds his own as Jonathan Hutter, and is the primary character we follow for the majority of the first act. His treck to Castle Orlock and his meeting with the reclusive count was one of my favorite stretches of the film. Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Emma Corrin were also solid throughout, and while they aren’t as central as Skargard, Depp and Hoult they still bring their A-game in their scenes. I also particularly enjoyed Corrin and Depps shared scenes. I’d also regret not talking about Willem Defoe as the eccentric occultist vampire hunter, and while his screentime is limited he does the absolute most with it.
Overall Nosferatu is Robert Eggers magnum opus, a film he had been longing to make for decades and he has delivered. Through the beautiful visuals, the haunting performances and the insane amount of behind the scenes technical pieces, this may be one of the best pieces of Vampire media ever made.
