Spoilers beneath for anybody who hasn’t but watched Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, so be warned (and shield your neck).
Given the filmmaker’s spectacular filmography to this point, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu was a undertaking I would longingliy anticipated as a lot as anything in 2024 or any upcoming horror film but to debut. And whereas it definitely excelled in lots of ways in which assist justify a few of its early crucial acclaim, the movie’s successes aren’t the weather which have been caught in my mind within the weeks since watching. No, I’ve as a substitute been unintentionally unable to consider something past the weather that took me out of the film essentially the most.
So as a substitute of simply silently stewing as I’ve been, I will try and purge these ideas from my thoughts just like the rat-surfaced plague that they’re, whereas additionally championing a few highlights as nicely. However first, the worst.
Orlok’s Mustache Is The Most Monstrous Factor About Nosferatu
To make issues completely clear, I believe Invoice Skarsgård’s efficiency general is delightfully unsettling, even when the character’s actions are solely occurring via shadows and silhouettes. The prosthetics and make-up that cowl the actor’s physique are beautiful in how off-putting he’s from actually each single angle. I can perceive why Eggers & Co. have labored dilligently to maintain Orlok’s visage as hidden as attainable from those that have not but watched it. As a result of that mustache ought to 100% keep hidden for so long as attainable.
Plus, that form of secrecy additionally implies that when a logistically bonkers costume element is revealed for the primary time — [points both pointers and both big toes at Orlok’s mustache] — it is virtually inconceivable to not grasp each different opinion round it. Instance: “Oh wow, that scene was gnarly, however not as gnarly as the best way Orlok’s mustache resembles the moist grass that surrounds a septic tank.”
With inspiration assumedly taken from illustrations of Vlad the Impaler, Orlok’s facial hair is already such a stark a part of his gaunt face, but it surely’s additionally basically the one distinguishing aspect about his physique, which is in any other case seemingly devoid of hair. I would not have thought ages-old scarred and scabbed pores and skin could be a prettier sight than anyone’s ‘stache, however I stand corrected, going through the other way.
And what? I may need even grown to not staunchly abhor it over time had there been any type of direct rationalization for its existence. Can he actually not develop hair anyplace else on his physique? Does he simply actually love that look? Does he should pre-wet it earlier than preserving it nonetheless moist all day lengthy? Why is not HE as fucking disgusted by it as I’m?
It is arguably the aspect of Nosferatu that is most ripe for Scary Film to parody with reckless abandon, and I can not assist however hope {that a} Tom Selleck cameo is concerned. Now that is a timeless mustache.
Orlok Sounds Approach Too A lot Like Nandor From What We Do In The Shadows
Much like my emotions about Orlok’s look, I believe Invoice Skarsgård additionally kills it together with his vocal efficiency. The vampire’s voice is gravelly and deep all through, with a spread of depth thoughout that’s dealt with extraordinarily nicely by everybody concerned with the sound design and sound enhancing. Typically it seems like Orlok is true there behind you, able to make your face bounce proper off your cranium from his silly mustache being so shut.
However for all that it sounds splendid, I discovered that I couldn’t hear the character’s Jap-European accent with out instantly occupied with Kayvan Novak’s Nandor the Relentless in What We Do within the Shadows. And whereas I notice the similarities are maybe as a result of profitable performances on each actors’ components, and I maintain no in poor health will in the direction of Skarsgård for the best way he handles it. However did that cease me from whispering “Guillermoooo” a number of occasions after Orlok completed a sentence? Not an opportunity.
I suppose it was form of good to be reminded of Nandor in any context, given What We Do within the Shadows‘ sequence finale aired in November 2024, however such comedic undertones may need been extra welcomed in some other film, even when I perceive why it occurred in one other vampire undertaking.
A Few Different Nosferatu Takeaways
- I agree with CinemaBlend colleague Mike Reyes’ ideas about Robert Eggers creating such palpable dread all through the movie in a approach that is not utilized almost as a lot because it ought to in trendy horror.
- Considerably echoing the above level, Eggers and cinematographer Jarin Blaschke introduced each traditional and trendy digicam methods to Nosferatu that positively helped hold audiences uneasy, notably when it got here to gradual and methodical pans throughout rooms.
- Whereas Invoice Skarsgård fairly probably offers the very best efficiency within the film, the one which I genuinely loved essentially the most was the fully unhinged show from Simon McBurney because the vamp-fixated Knock. Fangs to my neck, I would sincerely declare that McBurney is best in his comparatively few scenes than Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corwin mixed.
- Very similar to each different Willem Dafoe-starring film has confirmed lately, each film ought to have Willem Dafoe in it. His bizarre ass portrayal is likely to be the one purposeful slice of levity within the film, and it was each welcomed and appreciated.
- I would wish to nonetheless be occupied with the not-so-obvious modifications to the unique story that had been made for this film, however that mustache retains dripping unfamiliar fluids throughout my different opinions.
If Robert Eggers made Nosferatu as a result of he was so obsessive about the unique film throughout a time when it was extraordinarily tough to search out, then does that imply I will make a film particularly about Orlok’s oatmeal-sopped mustache sometime? I would wish to suppose it is a completely different form of obsession. I actually, actually would.
Nosferatu continues to be biting the chest and neck that feed in theaters now. It is reportedly heading to digital platforms for hire and buy on January 21, however that has but to be confirmed by Focus Options.