Nosferatu Mimics the Top Technique from Bill Skarsgård’s $704 Million Horror Classic

Renowned filmmaker Robert Eggers has garnered significant acclaim in recent years, particularly within the horror genre. His latest venture, “Nosferatu,”is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1922 German expressionist film of the same name, which serves as an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic, “Dracula.”Bill Skarsgård takes on the haunting role of Count Orlok, immersing viewers into a chilling nightmare.

The narrative unfolds as Thomas, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, travels to Transylvania to sell a property to Count Orlok. Unbeknownst to him, the sinister figure poses a grave threat to his wife Ellen, unleashing an intricate web of terror. Interestingly, while Orlok is pivotal to the storyline, his appearances are notably scarce, drawing a parallel to the effective horror techniques utilized in the 2017 film “It.”

The Limited Visibility of Count Orlok & Pennywise

Bill Skarsgård’s Portrayal: Count Orlok and Pennywise

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise in It Chapter Two

Count Orlok opening his eyes in Nosferatu

Pennywise looking ominously at a young girl

Skarsgård’s ascent in the horror realm began with the Netflix series “Hemlock Grove”in 2013. His breakthrough role, however, came in Andrés Muschietti’s adaptation of “It,”recontextualizing Stephen King’s 1986 novel and setting it in 1989, focusing on the Losers Club as children.

This is not Skarsgård’s first portrayal of a vampire; he previously embodied Roman Godfrey in “Hemlock Grove.”Meanwhile, in “It,”the narrative revolves around the loss of Georgie Denbrough, and soon after, his brother Bill (Jaeden Martell) and their friends are tormented by a shapeshifting entity they call “It,”which manifests as their deepest fears, predominantly seen as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

Curiously, Pennywise’s screen time in both “It”films was limited. As Matthew Stewart from Screen Time Central noted on Twitter/X, Skarsgård’s initial appearance totaled merely 11 minutes and 17 seconds in “It”and 13 minutes and 29 seconds in the sequel, “It Chapter Two.”Similarly, while specific screen time metrics for Count Orlok in “Nosferatu”are not yet available, early indications suggest a similar trend.

Limited Screen Time: A Strategic Horror Approach

James McAvoy as Bill Denbrough in It Chapter Two

The absence of excessive screen time for Pennywise enables both “It”films to delve deeper into the characters’ journeys as they confront the terror sweeping through their lives. By focusing on the impacts of Pennywise’s ominous presence, these films artfully explore personal trauma and the omnipresence of fear.

“Nosferatu”adopts a similar strategy by minimizing the visibility of Count Orlok. The film’s psychological depth flourishes through its exploration of Orlok’s influence on Ellen and Thomas, magnifying his capacity for terror without the need for constant visual presence. This clever use of suggestion strengthens the horror by evoking the unseen horrors that afflict the characters.

Avoiding Pennywise’s Pitfalls: Nosferatu’s Strategic Reveal

Count Orlok’s Revelation: A Calculated Choice

“Nosferatu”not only borrows effective techniques from “It”but also learns from some of its missteps. Anticipation around Skarsgård’s Pennywise reached a peak well before the film’s release, fueled by early promotional materials that showcased his appearance. However, such exposure sparked mixed reactions and discussions online, leading to unexpected scrutiny. In a conversation with Esquire, Skarsgård expressed that the prior reveal of Pennywise was “kind of mean.”

In stark contrast, Robert Eggers opted to maintain Count Orlok’s appearance as a mystery until the film’s release, enhancing viewer intrigue and anticipation. This strategic decision has allowed “Nosferatu”to sidestep the backlash associated with early reveals. By preserving Orlok’s presence as a suspenseful secret, the film has significantly enriched each viewer’s experience, enabling a more impactful and complete engagement.

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