‘Nosferatu’ Director Reveals Another Classic Monster Movie He Tried Remaking

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As a seasoned cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Robert Eggers’ latest offering, Nosferatu, is nothing short of extraordinary. However, it wasn’t always his first choice to bring the vampire to life on the big screen.

Eggers once had his sights set on Frankenstein, a monster close to my heart. In an interview, he admitted that his script for Frankenstein was a ‘dud’, which I find amusing given Eggers’ knack for creating cinematic masterpieces. It’s comforting to know that even talented filmmakers like him can admit when they’re out of their depth and graciously pass the baton to someone else, in this case, the esteemed Guillermo del Toro.

When I think about it, perhaps it was for the best that Eggers didn’t get his hands on Frankenstein first. If he had, we might not have the hauntingly beautiful Nosferatu that we have today. And as a cinephile who values both classic monsters and modern storytelling, I can’t help but laugh at the thought of Eggers wrestling with the complexities of Frankenstein while trying to bring his vision of Nosferatu to life.

In the end, we’re all winners. We get to enjoy Eggers’ unique take on Nosferatu and eagerly await del Toro’s interpretation of Frankenstein. And as for me? Well, I’ll be here, popcorn in hand, ready to soak up every second of it.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Eggers had tried to tackle both monsters at the same time. We might have ended up with a Frankenstein-Nosferatu hybrid, a monster that could only come out at night and rearrange your living room while you sleep! Now that’s a movie I’d love to see!

Director Robert Eggers could potentially score another success with his latest work, “Nosferatu,” but before this notable filmmaker breathed life into the iconic vampire character, he had a different classic monster in mind: Frankenstein. While “Nosferatu” continues to dominate the box office, having grossed $56.2 million and receiving praise from both audiences and critics alike, Eggers previously entertained the idea of reimagining another horror legend.

In an interview on Conversations @ Curzon, Eggers discussed various topics including screenplay writing. He shared that a recent script he wrote was appreciated by his wife who also mentioned it might not get made. Host Douglas Greenwood inquired if Eggers ever felt compelled to write just to release the ideas within him. It was then that Eggers admitted he does write occasionally, even when he’s aware it may not be successful, as seemed to be the case with his ‘Frankenstein’ script.

Occasionally, you find yourself dealing with something that just isn’t working out. I’m absolutely thrilled about Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein, but when my child was born, I felt an instinctive pull – likely due to the circumstance – which made me attempt to create Frankenstein myself. However, after two weeks, I realized it was beyond my capabilities at that time. So, I’m relieved that Guillermo is now bringing this project to life.

As a lifelong fan of classic literature and a lover of innovative filmmaking, I am thrilled to see Guillermo del Toro taking on Mary Shelley’s iconic novel “Frankenstein.” Having followed his career for years, I have witnessed his exceptional talent in creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant films, such as “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” which showcase his unique ability to blend fantasy and reality.

Del Toro’s approach to storytelling is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, particularly his love for the macabre and the supernatural, which I believe will lend a fresh perspective to the classic tale of the creature created by Victor Frankenstein. Moreover, his keen eye for detail and commitment to creating immersive worlds will undoubtedly bring Shelley’s vision to life in a way that is both faithful to the source material and contemporary in its execution.

I am confident that del Toro’s version of “Frankenstein,” which is set to premiere on Netflix later this year, will not only be a worthy addition to the many adaptations that have come before it but will also stand as a testament to the enduring power of Shelley’s story. In short, I cannot wait to see what del Toro has in store for us and am eagerly anticipating the release of this highly anticipated film.

Robert Eggers Is Glad ‘Nosferatu’ “Fell Apart Several Times”

Discussing Eggers’ growth as a filmmaker, Greenwood pointed out that Nosferatu was initially intended to be his second movie following The Witch in 2015. At that point, he was involved in a medieval project where he and the studio couldn’t agree, causing him to shift focus towards the vampire tale instead. Looking back, Eggers expressed relief that the medieval project didn’t succeed as he believes he lacked the necessary skills to effectively tell the story at that time.

Reflecting on the past, I now realize that it was imprudent to consider Nosferatu as my second film. I’m grateful that things didn’t work out, and it collapsed multiple times over the last nine to ten years. Through this time, I’ve significantly grown as a filmmaker, honing my skills in collaboration with my recurring department heads. This growth has allowed us to extend each other’s ideas, resulting in a vision that is not just mine but a collective one shared by many who enjoy collaborating and pushing each other beyond our perceived limits.

It’s clear that the outcome has been nothing short of sensational; many are praising Nosferatu as a contemporary masterpiece. If it had been released in 2016 or 2017, it likely wouldn’t have been the same movie we enjoy today. Just like Eggers, we’re thankful it wasn’t made earlier, or else we wouldn’t get to watch the fantastic film we see now. Nosferatu is currently playing in cinemas, courtesy of Focus Features.

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2025-01-03 21:32