Exploring Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu reboot: Will his unique, slow-burn style breathe new life into the horror classic, or make it another hard-to-watch slog?
I would say that Eggers doesn't (yet at least) have a signature style. Each of his films is different in look, feel and technical execution. The common thread is an obsession with historical authenticity and attempting to marry that with a convincing sense of emotional depth.
That said, I have an open mind as to the Eggers Nosferatu remake. It may be wonderful or it may be his first dud, remains to be seen. Though I love the Murnau original, I actually prefer the 1979 Herzog version, there's something about the shabbiness of it all, plus the tremendous charisma of the three lead actors, that makes it so watchable.
I'm planning a Back to Back double-bill film essay in a week or so to prepare for the new Nosferatu, featuring the 1979 film and a fascinating meta-comedy-horror about the (fantasy) making of Nosferatu (also starring Willem Dafoe) with John Malkovich as Murnau. It's called Shadow of the Vampire (2000) and well worth a look just for the wild performances!
I think this is going to be an entertaining remake, but I share your concerns about Egger’s other films. All of the obnoxious rambling sea-salty dialogue in “The Lighthouse” just felt like padding to make up for the fact that not much happens in the film. If he were to combine all three of those films you mentioned “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman” into one two hour film with a Creepshow interlude, I think it would have been quite novel and entertaining. But as is, all three are a slog and I see this one as being visually stunning but pretty thin on character development.
I wanted to like The Witch. I should have liked The Witch. I didn't like The Witch because it just couldn't hold my attention. I want to like Nosferatu, because normally I love anything with vampires, but Eggers has me a bit wary.
Not quite the feeling of dread I got when I saw Rupert Sanders was making a reboot of The Crow, but still.
I'm curious about the remake. A few years ago, I watched the original on Netflix. I really enjoyed it and it was cool to see how movies were done back them. It was like a blast to the past.
It's frustrating because the descriptions, trailers etc for all of his films have been really enticing, and the performances are good, but the films just don't hold my attention!
Haha I haven't heard good things about The Crow! But I was the same with The Witch, couldn't keep my concentration on it... and as The Northman got further in, I started to drift off 😆 so Nosferatu will probably be more of the same.
I would say that Eggers doesn't (yet at least) have a signature style. Each of his films is different in look, feel and technical execution. The common thread is an obsession with historical authenticity and attempting to marry that with a convincing sense of emotional depth.
That said, I have an open mind as to the Eggers Nosferatu remake. It may be wonderful or it may be his first dud, remains to be seen. Though I love the Murnau original, I actually prefer the 1979 Herzog version, there's something about the shabbiness of it all, plus the tremendous charisma of the three lead actors, that makes it so watchable.
I'm planning a Back to Back double-bill film essay in a week or so to prepare for the new Nosferatu, featuring the 1979 film and a fascinating meta-comedy-horror about the (fantasy) making of Nosferatu (also starring Willem Dafoe) with John Malkovich as Murnau. It's called Shadow of the Vampire (2000) and well worth a look just for the wild performances!
I doubt that the guy playing Count Orlock will be able to match what Max Schrek did in the original.
I think this is going to be an entertaining remake, but I share your concerns about Egger’s other films. All of the obnoxious rambling sea-salty dialogue in “The Lighthouse” just felt like padding to make up for the fact that not much happens in the film. If he were to combine all three of those films you mentioned “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman” into one two hour film with a Creepshow interlude, I think it would have been quite novel and entertaining. But as is, all three are a slog and I see this one as being visually stunning but pretty thin on character development.
That sounds good, like a big anthology!
I agree with you. Thinking back to the trailer, I remember a couple of clips that are probably part of a drawn out scene that won't hold my attention.
I wanted to like The Witch. I should have liked The Witch. I didn't like The Witch because it just couldn't hold my attention. I want to like Nosferatu, because normally I love anything with vampires, but Eggers has me a bit wary.
Not quite the feeling of dread I got when I saw Rupert Sanders was making a reboot of The Crow, but still.
I'm curious about the remake. A few years ago, I watched the original on Netflix. I really enjoyed it and it was cool to see how movies were done back them. It was like a blast to the past.
The original was really interesting. I didn't realise it didn't have dialogue until I started watching lol
I liked The Witch, and thought The Northman was the best movie of 2022. Haven't seen The Lighthouse, though.
It took three attempts to watch The Lighthouse all the way through, but once I did, it was thrilling in its own weird way.
I'm going to see if I can find the 1979 version of Nosferatu, thanks for the rec! 🧛♂️
I'm yet to watch The Lighthouse because I know what I'll have to sit through lol
I’m in the same boat with Eggers. Do not like his movies at all. However, as with all films, I’ll give it a chance. Maybe 4th time lucky 😁
It's frustrating because the descriptions, trailers etc for all of his films have been really enticing, and the performances are good, but the films just don't hold my attention!
I just hope it's got some pace and excitement. His usual style drags things out too long for me
Haha I haven't heard good things about The Crow! But I was the same with The Witch, couldn't keep my concentration on it... and as The Northman got further in, I started to drift off 😆 so Nosferatu will probably be more of the same.
There is definitely an audience for his style. I wish I liked it more.
It's Bill Skaarsgard playing Orlocula, but I bet you're right!