The character of Nosferatu has long been a cornerstone of horror cinema, prominently featured in Robert Eggers’ latest rendition, Nosferatu. With his distinct rat-like features and the contentious parallels to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula, Nosferatu remains an emblematic figure in the genre. Since its inception in F.W. Murnau’s seminal 1922 film, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, the character has evolved through numerous adaptations.
While many filmmakers have sought to reinterpret Murnau’s story, Robert Eggers’ latest foray stands out for its depth and innovation. Eggers retains the essence of the original tale while incorporating intricate character development and atmospheric elements that enhance the cinematic experience. Audiences have responded positively, with the new Nosferatu achieving remarkable success at the box office, amassing $40.3 million domestically in 2024. This success invites a deeper exploration of the differences between Eggers’ adaptation and Murnau’s classic.
10 Nosferatu’s New Look
Nosferatu’s Corpse-Like Design
One significant alteration introduced by Robert Eggers is the portrayal of Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård. In stark contrast to Murnau’s interpretation, Eggers’ Orlok features a more grotesque appearance reminiscent of a decaying corpse. This transformation aligns with Eggers’ intent to present Orlok as an embodiment of death rather than a polished creature of the night.
Further distinguishing this portrayal, Eggers includes elements such as a mustache, tattered clothing, and sparse hair. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Eggers shared that his goal was to craft Orlok as a “dead Transylvanian nobleman,”ensuring that every detail reflected his character’s decayed nobility. This fresh visual representation promises to challenge the expectations of audiences familiar with the original Nosferatu’s look.
9 Creation Of Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz
Willem Dafoe’s Zany Character Is A New Addition
Another notable enhancement in Eggers’ version is the introduction of Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. This character serves as a vampire hunter and occult scholar, aiding Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) and Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) as they unravel the mystery of Nosferatu’s curse.
Unlike the original films, where a character named Professor Sievers provided assistance, Eggers’ creation of Von Franz allows for a deeper exploration of the supernatural elements in the story. Moreover, this eccentric character infuses moments of humor, contrasting the otherwise grim narrative. By integrating this new role, Eggers broadens the scope of paranormal intrigue while enhancing the dynamic among the lead characters.
8 Ellen Summons Count Orlok
Ellen Initiates Her Relationship With Nosferatu
In a bold narrative shift, Eggers alters the nature of the relationship between Ellen and Count Orlok. In this retelling, Ellen summons Orlok as a young girl through her supernatural abilities, deepening their bond and extending the duration of their connection. This twist adds an emotional layer, making the couple’s tragic end more poignant.
This reimagined backstory clarifies Orlok’s fixation on Ellen, providing a compelling reason for his obsession. Unlike the original, where Orlok’s interest in Ellen is sparked by a mere portrait, Eggers’ choice anchors her character as an active participant rather than a passive victim. This transformation enriches Ellen’s character arc, showcasing her strength amid adversity.
7 Nosferatu Attacks Victim’s Chests
The Way Count Orlok Drinks Blood Is More Grotesque
One of the more harrowing changes includes how Count Orlok feeds on his victims. Rather than the classic neck bite, Eggers opts for a more grotesque approach where Orlok attacks the chest area, delivering a gruesome layer of horror.
This preference for a heart-based attack aligns with folklore traditions, where vampires were depicted as omnivorous in their predation. Although seemingly minor, this detail amplifies the brutality of Nosferatu, setting a chilling tone for the audience and heightening the terror around Orlok’s character.
6 Friedrich And Anna’s Screentime
The Two Supporting Characters Are Given A Spotlight
Eggers’ adaptation also breathes new life into side characters, particularly Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna (Emma Corrin), who were merely background figures in the original. Their development creates a deeper emotional impact, making their eventual demise all the more tragic.
In Murnau’s film, Friedrich is presented as Anna’s brother, with little interaction between Ellen and the siblings. Conversely, Eggers portrays Friedrich and Anna as close companions of Ellen, enriching their relationships and adding complexity to their character arcs. This shift enhances audience sympathies, as viewers witness the couple’s struggle in the face of the looming threat posed by Nosferatu.
5 Ellen’s Locket
Ellen’s Parting Gift To Thomas Is A New Touch
Among the many details serving the narrative, Ellen’s locket takes center stage. This keepsake, containing a lock of her hair, symbolizes the bond between her and Thomas. When Count Orlok acquires the locket, it intensifies his fixation with Ellen, signaling a pivotal moment in the plot.
Unlike Murnau’s version, where Thomas’ obsession is kindled by a simple photo of Ellen, this addition serves to place Ellen in a more active role against Orlok’s malevolence. The locket represents love and foreboding, making it a tangible and personal connection for the characters involved.
4 Thomas’s Failed Attempt To Kill Orlok
Thomas’s Act Of Bravery Is A New Addition
Another alteration of consequence is Thomas’s confrontation with Orlok in the latter’s castle. Unlike in the original film, where Thomas recoils in fear, Eggers opts to depict him attempting to stake Orlok through the heart, albeit unsuccessfully. This choice emphasizes Thomas’s bravery and his determination to protect Ellen.
This decisive moment enriches Thomas’s character arc, showcasing his growth from fear to courage. The subsequent chase elevates tension, portraying Orlok as a more threatening figure who retaliates against Thomas for the attack.
3 Thomas Is Transported Via Unmanned Carriage
Supernatural Elements Are Used To Portray Orlok’s Powers
Eggers’ Nosferatu expertly incorporates elements that underscore Orlok’s supernatural powers, enhancing the chilling atmosphere throughout Thomas’s journey to the vampire’s castle. Notably, Thomas arrives via an unmanned carriage, a detail that forebodes the horrors awaiting him.
This supernatural transportation amplifies the sense of dread as Thomas approaches Orlok’s lair, illustrating the level of fear taking root within him. The creative choice not only enhances the story’s gothic ambiance but also demonstrates the ancient and formidable aura surrounding Orlok.
2 The Love Triangle
Nosferatu And Ellen Share A Romantic Connection As Well
Eggers’ retelling significantly elaborates upon the love triangle involving Ellen, Thomas, and Count Orlok. Unlike the original, where their interaction is fleeting, this version delves into a entwined romantic and sexual history that complicates relations among the trio. Upon reconnecting with Orlok post-wedding, Ellen’s allure becomes a source of tension between her and Thomas, amplifying the psychological stakes and fraught dynamics.
This nuanced exploration adds a level of complexity to each character’s motivations, transforming Nosferatu from a simple horror narrative into a profound commentary on human nature and desire. Ellen grapples with her tumultuous feelings, caught between the safety represented by Thomas and her dark fascination with Orlok.
1 Knock Is Given A Backstory
Nosferatu’s Famous Henchman’s Origins Are Explained
Eggers’ adaptation notably revisits the character of Knock, Count Orlok’s henchman, providing him with a rich backstory and greater narrative weight. In this rendition, Knock (Simon McBurney) serves as Thomas’s employer and is revealed as a practitioner of the occult who actively seeks to connect with Orlok.
This expanded role for Knock intersperses additional layers into the plot, showcasing his machinations as he manipulates situations to align with Orlok’s sinister objectives. Through a focus on Knock’s character arc, Eggers crafts a more intricate web of horror and suspense throughout the film, enriching the viewer’s engagement.
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