Why Count Orlok’s Mustache Was More Than Just a Gimmick in ‘Nosferatu’

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Nosferatu marks Robert Eggers’ most successful project so far, and the meticulous approach he took to breathe new life into this iconic horror story aligns with his work ethic throughout his career. As Eggers shared with MovieWeb, “Every detail is thoroughly researched and carefully considered. I strive for historical accuracy in all my work.

His approach has consistently been about thorough research, maintaining accuracy, and ensuring precision while crafting his worlds (one of many factors that make us eagerly anticipate his next move). He was well-versed in the lore surrounding Nosferatu and Count Orlok, choosing to stay true to historical accounts. Eggers stated: “The vampires from early Balkan and Slavic folklore were decaying corpses rather than the suave, handsome, pale figures like Robert Pattinson we see in cinema today.” In Nosferatu, historically accurate details take precedence over most other aspects, even if some of these details may displease parts of the audience. He elaborated:

“Vampires from early Balkan and Slavic folklore were decaying corpses instead of the suave, handsome figures like Robert Pattinson we typically see in films.” In Nosferatu, sticking to historical facts outweighed most other considerations, even if some details might disappoint certain viewers. He clarified:

As a movie enthusiast, I wholeheartedly believe that the mustache was an indispensable element in our production. I understand if some viewers might have preferred the classic Max Schrek-inspired look, but given my historical approach, it’s inconceivable that this character wouldn’t sport a mustache under any circumstances whatsoever. This detail extends to his attire, intricate footwear, and hat – all meticulously researched for authenticity.

Since vampires are fictional creatures, maintaining historical accuracy can be challenging. However, the motivation behind equipping Orlok with a breath mint, or a ‘flavor saver’ as you put it, was explained by Eggers as follows:

To make the film more believable and immersive for the audience, the decision was made to add small details that would enhance the overall experience. In this case, Orlok carrying a breath mint was one of those details, meant to suggest that even fictional characters like vampires might have everyday habits like humans do.

The urgent query I found myself compelled to pose, considering the nature of this vampire, was: ‘Given he’s a deceased Transylvanian nobleman, what might his appearance be?’ Consequently, we designed his facial features to evoke fear, masculinity, and nobility, yet also referenced some portraits.

Regardless of whether it’s stormy or calm, a mustache was non-negotiable… an absolute necessity. At times, the particularities of Eggers’ diverse realms slightly clash with cinematic requirements, and how he tackles those dilemmas is just as significant to his identity as any other aspect in his creative output.

Cinema vs Research in the Work of Robert Eggers

While Robert Eggers is meticulously crafting a ‘world’ for his movie, he also understands that it needs to entertain and cater to certain expectations. For instance, in the Victorian era, there wouldn’t be any shiny materials on the clothing at all. However, since much of this clothing was to be worn during night scenes in the film, we had to make adjustments so the clothing would be visible. It’s minor changes like these that were made.

Eggers additionally recounted a scenario where he was inclined to push boundaries further, yet he needed to keep in mind the overall setting of the movie, and how the viewers might perceive it.

The costume designer aimed to make Count Orlok’s hat significantly larger than its current size. You’ve probably noticed similar adjustments. I suggested, “If this story depicted Hungarian and Vallakian warlords with large fur hats as a common theme, or if every character except for Orlok wore such a hat, we could make it that large. However, since this is the only instance of the hat in the story, apart from a smaller version in Transylvania, you should tone it down to avoid making it too extravagant.

As a fan, I’ve noticed that some artists emulate Egger’s precise approach, embracing the intricacies and making it their own. For instance, an amusing tale about Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s hair caught my attention. Eggers commented, “We aimed for historically accurate hairstyles that were appealing too.” However, Aaron Taylor-Johnson opted for a rather daring hairstyle, which initially seemed excessive. Yet, he possessed the charisma and physical presence to carry it off flawlessly. So, we decided, ‘Let’s go for it!’

fundamentally, Robert Eggers resists the notion that he needs to alter much due to audience preferences. Instead, his inclination is to delve deeper into his research and present what he uncovers, hoping it captivates others as much as it does him. “The greater the surprise when expectations are defied in a fitting manner, the more rewarding it becomes. That’s one of the pleasures for me in conducting all this research – discovering the unexpected. For instance, a mustache.

You can rent or purchase “Nosferatu” on digital platforms like Google Play, Fandango Now, and Apple TV. Starting February 18th, it will also be available in 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD versions. If you opt for the Apple TV version, you’ll have access to an extended cut and a range of special features.

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2025-01-29 00:02