Nosferatu Director Reveals How Insanely Gross That Final Shot Originally Was

As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the labyrinth of cinema for decades, I must say that Robert Eggers’ latest masterpiece, “Nosferatu,” is an absolute triumph. The director’s unique vision and knack for crafting chilling narratives have elevated this remake to new heights, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The scene between Count Orlok and Ellen Hutter at the end of the film is a testament to Eggers’ genius. While the original ending was simpler, the romantic and sensual undertones in this version add depth and complexity to the story that resonates profoundly with me. The contrast between Lily-Rose Depp’s ethereal beauty and Bill Skarsgård’s haunting portrayal of Count Orlok is nothing short of captivating, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

However, it’s the scenes that didn’t make it to the final cut that pique my curiosity the most. The idea of Count Orlok bleeding out in his final moments is both grotesque and intriguing – almost as if he was sacrificing himself for love. But then again, I wouldn’t want to clean up after a corked-up vampire on set!

In conclusion, “Nosferatu” is a modern horror classic that pushes the boundaries of what we consider scary and beautiful. It’s a movie that leaves you thinking about the fine line between desire and destruction, and it does so in a way that only Robert Eggers could pull off.

Oh, and as for that joke I promised… Why did Count Orlok go to the barber? Because he wanted a neck-tie! (I’ll see myself out.)

The recently unveiled movie adaptation of “Nosferatu” has been a blockbuster sensation, raking in over $40 million at the domestic box office on its own. With Robert Eggers, renowned for movies like “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse”, and “The Northman”, at the helm, this remake of the 1922 classic was one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. In a recent interview with Variety, Eggers discussed the climactic scene between Count Orlok and Ellen Hutter. Although the scene wasn’t drastically altered, it contained elements that reflected the director’s unique style. However, he also revealed that there was a cut moment from the scene, which would have made the final image even more unsettling.

Heed this: Ahead in our discussion on Nosferatu, there may lie plot twists! Regarding the final scene with the characters’ embrace, some might wonder if it was a fitting end to the tale. Eggers shared that this ending had been planned all along.

In his explanation, Eggers mentioned that while he was still trying to determine how Orlok’s end would be portrayed, that concluding shot had always been intended as the finale. He added that it was satisfying for them to create their own interpretation of the ‘Death and the Maiden’ theme, stating that it looks quite appealing in the end.

Nevertheless, the on-screen depiction didn’t fully capture all the gruesome details of the scene as it originally was; Eggers explained that Orlok’s part was significantly bloodier in the initial versions, which he deemed too extreme before elaborating.

He pointed out that upon a closer inspection of the frame, Orlok appears to be oozing blood from his eyes, ears, and nose, with wormholes visible on his back. Additionally, they set up for him to bleed through his rear end, but it turned out quite comical. When filming began, they actually had to stop the flow with a cork.

Eggers skillfully reimagined the timeless story in a manner that left critics awestruck, and the poignant death scenes of both characters serve as a testament to this. Unlike the straightforward dissolution of Orlok in the 1922 movie, the 2024 adaptation carries an element of sensuality and even a hint of romance, which Eggers himself had previously acknowledged.

Lily-Rose resembles a charming doll, while Bill appears as if he has a skull adorned with a mustache; this is quite an impactful juxtaposition,” he remarked.

Despite aiming to intensify fear or grotesquerie with the originally planned ending, the revised scene instead amplified a longing and sensuality in line with the movie’s overall theme. Both Skarsgård and Depp have noted this. The actor clarified that while the scene didn’t depict love between the characters, it may have been the most intimate moment they ever shared.

The filmmaker expresses that he wants the audience to think, “Will he bite her? Or will he kiss her?” This movie, being a captivating blend of a dark fantasy and a potential love story, portrays Count Orlok in a unique light. He explains, “If it’s not love, it’s an intense hunger, a strong desire, a craving – a yearning to consume.” The filmmaker further suggests that Count Orlok, having been without sunlight for centuries, is both fascinated and fearful of it. In some way, this could be the longing Orlok had all along.

Instead, Depp focused on the implications of that outcome for both his character’s objective within the scene and its effect on the audience.

Or:

Depp pointed out the consequences of the result and how it related to his character’s purpose in the scene as well as its impact on viewers.

The final scene is both heart-wrenching and slightly tinged with sweetness because she’s performing a noble act by lifting the curse, yet she’s also succumbing to a deep-seated dark desire. We aimed to make these feelings tangible, as if they could be felt, she shared.

Nosferatu is in theaters now.

2025-01-01 06:09

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