What Is Exsanguination? Nosferatu’s Gory Change from the Original, Explained

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As a seasoned gamer and movie buff with over two decades of horror film consumption under my belt, I must say that Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is not just a tribute to F.W. Murnau’s classic, but a thrilling reimagination that breathes new life into the vampire genre. The way Count Orlok feeds on his victims in this film sets it apart from other cinematic takes on the bloodsucking fiends we’ve grown accustomed to.

Having seen my fair share of vampire flicks, I can confidently say that the 2024 version of Count Orlok’s feeding habits are both terrifying and refreshing. The idea of a vampire biting into his victims’ hearts rather than their necks is not only a striking change but also rooted in some ancient folklore, which adds an intriguing layer to the film’s narrative.

Watching Orlok clamp down on his victims’ chests and drain them of blood is undeniably chilling, and it makes the experience of watching “Nosferatu” all the more memorable. It’s not just a gimmick; Eggers went with this concept because it aligns with some old legends about vampiric attacks.

However, I can’t help but wonder if Count Orlok’s heart-feeding technique will inspire a wave of new “vampire” costumes for Halloween, complete with fake teeth designed to bite into foam chests instead of styrofoam necks. But hey, who am I to rain on anyone’s parade? Just make sure you don’t get sued by the costume company for biting their profits!

Robert Eggers’ current film “Nosferatu” (now playing) is a grand homage to one of the most influential horror movies ever crafted: F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent horror masterpiece with the same title. However, while paying tribute to one of his significant cinematic role models, Eggers infuses the “Nosferatu” tale and the entire vampire movie genre with his unique perspective.

Despite the numerous tributes and inspirations evident in Nosferatu, there are still unique elements that enable Eggers to innovate within the vampire mythology, while simultaneously delving deeper into its origins. This is particularly noticeable in the manner this specific vampire chooses to prey upon his victims.

For More on Nosferatu

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How Nosferatu’s Count Orlok feeds

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In the 2024 rendition, Count Orlok (portrayed by Bill Skarsgård), just like his 1922 counterpart, bears the same name, origin, and purpose. They also share numerous powers, such as manipulating his shadow as an extension of himself. However, there are differences in how he attacks his victims and selects them to feed upon. Other than his physical appearance, these are the notable variations between the two.

In the 1922 version of Nosferatu, much like subsequent significant cinematic vampires, Count Orlok feeds on his victims by sinking his teeth into their necks. This area, being one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, allows him to reach the veins and drain out blood. His victims ultimately perish due to exsanguination, a process where all the blood is drained from their bodies until they can no longer function properly.

In the 2024 adaptation of “Nosferatu,” Orlok’s victims continue to meet their demise through the process of exsanguination. However, unlike previous iterations, this version of Orlok doesn’t target his victims’ necks. Instead, he makes a chilling impression when he preys upon Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) and later Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), as shown in the film’s climactic scene. In a departure from traditional vampire lore, Orlok pierces his teeth into his victim’s chest and consumes blood directly from their heart. This new take on vampiric imagery is eerie yet rooted in ancient folklore traditions.

Why Nosferatu‘s Count Orlok bites his victims’ hearts instead of their necks

As a gamer immersed in the world of Nosferatu, witnessing Orlok’s ferocious blood-drinking scenes, where he often bared his chest and clamped down on victims with raw, animalistic intensity, leaves an indelible impact – it’s both startling and terrifying. Yet, this isn’t merely Eggers adding a fresh twist to the timeless tale. In my exploration of vampire lore, I stumbled upon a fascinating discovery: feeding from the heart, or at least the idea of vampires exerting pressure on the heart, is an ancient concept that dates back in folklore.

In simpler terms, Eggers explained to SFX magazine that it’s clearly impossible to penetrate a breastbone, so the idea is illogical. A more sensible analogy would be drinking someone’s blood from their neck instead.

He added, “In folklore, when people feel like they’re under attack by vampires, it often resembles sleep paralysis, characterized by pressure on the chest. People would interpret this as vampires sucking their blood. However, there were also ‘vampires’ who didn’t drink blood but slept with widows until those women died. I believe all these elements are part of the original stories…

In a somewhat unconventional yet powerful twist for the narrative, Eggers chose that these vampires drink from the heart. This choice intensifies the emotional impact of the chilling vampire story, as nothing could be more evocative in a Gothic tale of yearning and fixation than a creature who figuratively plunges into your deepest feelings and drains you completely.

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2025-01-03 23:31