‘Nosferatu’ DP Jarin Blaschke Dissects Film’s Striking Opening Sequence

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for films that push the boundaries of reality, I must confess, the making of Robert Eggers‘ Nosferatu left me utterly astounded. The intricate camera movements and practical effects employed to bring the supernatural elements to life are truly a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication to their craft.

In the initial sequence of Robert Eggers’ movie Nosferatu, Ellen (played by Lily-Rose Depp) cries in bed before hastily moving to the window to gaze upon the ominous figure of Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard), who was casting a spell on her.

Director of photography Jarin Blaschke explains that capturing Ellen’s movement from bed to window in a single take was a complex task, involving intricate camera maneuvers. The room layout had to be designed oddly, almost illogically, to facilitate these movements. Specifically, it required an L-shaped configuration with a wall that swings open on a hinge to allow the camera to move smoothly through the scene.

Blaschke, who has collaborated with Eggers on all past feature films, was well-versed in narrating tales that predominantly unfold in the shadows. “I discovered the importance of contrast,” he notes. “There should be something close to a window [when indoors]. There needs to be harsh [rather than soft] light.

To make the supernatural elements appear convincing, a blend of real-world and computer-generated effects was employed. For instance, when depicting Count Orlok’s silhouette, Blaschke took reference photographs but the final shadow was actually produced using visual effects. In the scene where Ellen seems to levitate as Orlok’s spirit takes over her, Depp first walks onto a hidden ramp; his feet are not yet visible in the frame. A moment later, the camera stabilizes, revealing Ellen seemingly floating – but in reality, her feet were still on the ramp. This ramp was subsequently erased digitally during post-production.

Originally published in a special December edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, you can get this magazine by clicking here to subscribe.

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2024-12-26 22:24