Nosferatu: Robert Eggers Tackles a Classic
In 1922, F.W. Murnau released Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, and it instantly became a classic. An unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula novel, Nosferatu changes several aspects of the novel yet still manages to tell its own story; it's only when one knows the story of Dracula does one see the similar story beats. 102 years later, director Robert Eggers decided to throw his hat into the ring with his remake, starring Bill Skarsgård as the infamous Count Orlok. The film tells the story of the vampiric Orlok, who makes a pact with Ellen Hutter (Lily Rose-Depp), a lonely youth desperate for friendship. Years later, Orlok returns to terrorize Ellen, whose husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) has travelled to Orlok's castle to finalize a real estate transaction.
As the 1922 film was a silent film, the biggest question I had going into this was, "How are they going to adapt this with speaking?" The film has no problem turning in a modern version of Murnau's macabre tale, and these conversations could easily have been held in the original version. Likewise, Eggers does justice to Orlok's iconic shadows, making them just as uneasy as the vampire himself.
Lily Rose-Depp delivers a standout performance in this film. Prior to this, the only other film I'd seen with her was Kevin Smith's Tusk (2014), which has Lily in a small role. Here, she's allowed to showcase her talent, successfully switching from screaming and terrified to slow and seductive. Rose-Deep and her character also do a spectacular job of showcasing the two evils she faces: the physical one that Orlok poses, and the psychological one, the dread and unease, that his coming brings to Wisburg.
Skarsgård's performance, much like Lily Rose-Depp, is also spectacular. He manages to find the perfect balance of taking the Orlok character and paying homage to its origin while simultaneously making it is his own. His voice for the character is fantastic, and I'd listen to him just speak in that voice for hours.
In 1992, Francis Ford Coppola decided to make his version of Dracula with Bram Stoker's Dracula. In the film, he cast Keanu Reeves to play Jonathan Harker, Mina's fiancé that goes to Dracula's castle. In Nosferatu, Thomas Hutter takes Jonathan's spot, and in Robert Eggers' version, he's played by Nicholas Hoult. Reeves' portrayal received some criticism, mainly for his awkward performance that does feel out of place. Hoult is everything Reeves should’ve been. This is not to say that Hoult is a better actor than Reeves; that's another debate entirely. This is simply stating: Hoult's performance here far outshines Reeves' performance in every way. Hoult looks much more natural in his performance and delivers his lines just as naturally.
As mentioned, Ellen battles the psychological threat that Orlok poses. While Thomas is visiting Orlok, Ellen stays with Thomas' friend Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his pregnant wife Anna (Emma Corrin), and their two children. As Orlok draws closer to Wisburg, Ellen starts experiencing seizures. Friedrich is strictly against the idea that the seizures and strange behavior stems from something supernatural, despite Ellen's protests to the contrary. This section is a great example that Orlok-and vampires, as a whole- pose not just a threat to our blood but can tear apart the relationships with our loved ones if we let them.
Although this isn’t my favorite Eggers film, it's still a strong effort and honors its horror roots and what made the original an instant classic. It will be Rose Depp and Skarsgård's performances that keep me returning to Wisgard for another bite.
Cast
Lily Rose-Depp as Ellen Hutter
Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter
Bill Skarsgård's as Count Orlok
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding
Emma Corrin as Anna Harding
