‘Nosferatu’s Robert Eggers Explains Why He Gave Bill Skarsgard’s Orlok a Mustache

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As a movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that Robert Eggers’ bold decision to give Count Orlok a mustache in his new adaptation of Nosferatu is nothing short of genius. While it may seem like a minor detail, the mustache adds an air of authenticity and historical accuracy that sets this version apart from its predecessors.

The director of the movie “Nosferatu” has shared why he chose to give the iconic vampire character, Count Orlok, a unique new trait in his adaptation. Unlike the more human-like Count Dracula, the original 1922 version of Nosferatu’s Count Orlok is recognized by his grotesque appearance with a bald head, long sharp nails, and fangs resembling those of a bat. To build anticipation for the remake, the creators chose to conceal Count Orlok’s appearance in trailers, hinting at a significant transformation of the character. What may have surprised viewers is seeing this monstrous vampire sporting a prominent mustache.

In an interview with Variety, Eggers shared the reason behind Bill Skarsgard’s distinctive facial characteristic as Count Orlok in their adaptation. He wanted to maintain historical authenticity, as Transylvanian nobles like Orlok would typically sport mustaches. Additionally, this design brought Orlok closer to the likeness of Vlad the Impaler, a key inspiration for Dracula. Eggers put it simply: “We wanted Count Orlok to reflect the real-life influences of his character.

To craft a more chilling vampire character in recent memory, I delved into folklore, an area that piques my interest. This isn’t just any folklore; these tales were spun by those who truly believed in the existence of vampires. The vampire of old was described as a repugnant, shambling corpse. Therefore, I pondered, “What would a dead Transylvanian nobleman appear like?” This led me to envision a sophisticated Hungarian attire featuring extremely long sleeves, peculiar high-heeled shoes, and a furry hat. It’s not optional; this character must sport a mustache. Finding a Transylvanian of age without a mustache is nearly impossible; it’s deeply rooted in their culture. If you prefer not to research, consider Vlad the Impaler – even Bram Stoker had the foresight to endow Dracula with a mustache in his novel.

By adding a mustache to Nosferatu’s character, filmmaker Eggers distinguishes Count Orlok from his original and other famous vampire counterparts. Unlike the romanticized tragic figures in Bram Stoker’s and Anne Rice’s works, Nosferatu’s image now symbolizes terrifying predator vampires. Characters like Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s The Master and Dracula from The Last Voyage of the Demeter closely resemble Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok. Therefore, Eggers’ decision to give him a mustache is both historically consistent and visually distinct.

A Bold New Image for Count Orlok

As a film enthusiast, I was absolutely thrilled for the release of Eggers’ Nosferatu during the holiday season. The anticipation was palpable, and it certainly delivered as it raked in an impressive $11.5 million on Christmas Day, outshining Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Some viewers might have been taken aback by the film’s unexpected choice to give the character a mustache, along with other creative decisions, as evidenced by its B- CinemaScore from opening night audiences. However, critically, it’s doing exceptionally well, boasting an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, and projecting a $42 million five-day opening. Given its budget of $50 million, Nosferatu is already looking like a hit for Focus Features.

In a different take from what viewers might have imagined for Count Orlok in the movie “Nosferatu”, it seems that Robert Eggers’ portrayal is a deliberate creative decision that will leave an indelible mark on the character. On the other hand, Gary Oldman’s Dracula in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” was a stark contrast to the traditional image of Bela Lugosi’s Dracula. Despite the enduring iconic status of the Universal Monster Dracula, Oldman’s version has been spoofed and referenced in numerous adaptations, such as a famous episode of “The Simpsons”. While the original Count Orlok from the 1920s may never be surpassed, it’s not unreasonable to expect that Robert Eggers’ innovative approach in “Nosferatu” could spark countless Halloween costumes and Universal Halloween Horror Nights for years to come.

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2024-12-28 17:01