In 2016, filmmaker Robert Eggers shared his childhood fascination with the 1922 horror classic “Nosferatu” on IndieWire’s Filmmaker Toolkit podcast. Eggers admitted he had always been drawn to anything dark, including early horror films. This passion led him to create a theater production of “Nosferatu” while still in high school.
Growing up, Eggers found solace in horror films. Despite being unable to stomach hardcore horror as a child, his curiosity for dark tales was insatiable. It all began when he stumbled upon an image of Max Schreck as Count Orlok in a library book during his elementary school days in rural New Hampshire. This discovery piqued his interest, prompting his mother to drive him to a nearby mall to get the VHS tape.
After the success of his first feature, “The Witch,” Eggers expressed a desire to remake “Nosferatu.” Initially slated as his next project, fate had different plans. Eggers revealed that he needed to hone his skills, and it was a blessing in disguise that the project was delayed.
Reflecting on his journey, Eggers discussed how his subsequent films, “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman,” played a critical role in his growth as a filmmaker. “The Witch” had frustrated him, as he struggled to translate his vision onto the screen. However, “The Lighthouse” provided a perfect learning ground, allowing him to achieve what he envisioned. Despite the scale of “The Northman,” it was a significant learning curve that equipped him with the confidence to pursue ‘Nosferatu.’
Eggers recognized the value of his collaborations with his production crew. Working with his creative team on larger projects like “The Northman” was challenging but essential for his development. His long-standing collaborators like cinematographer Jarin Blaschke and others grew alongside him, sharing in his vision for “Nosferatu.” Eggers believes this synergy allowed them to push boundaries and better realize their artistic imaginations.
His creative growth, propelled by past experiences, instilled the confidence needed to tackle “Nosferatu.” Eggers felt ready to bring his childhood obsession to life, backed by a team that understood his vision and augmented his capabilities as a director.
Eggers’ journey with ‘Nosferatu’ has been a testament to patience, growth, and passion. This project symbolizes a full circle moment in his career, fueled by a fascination that began in childhood and guided by a decade of professional growth. It stands as a monument to Eggers’ dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to bringing the eerie world of ‘Nosferatu’ to new audiences.
Source: Yahoo
