Willem Dafoe reunites with acclaimed filmmaker Robert Eggers for his third collaboration, stepping once again onto the eerie grounds of horror with the highly anticipated adaptation of Nosferatu. Set to hit theaters on December 25, 2023, this reimagining of the iconic 1922 silent film promises to blend dark thematic elements with rich character explorations.
Dafoe, known for his ability to immerse himself in intense roles, portrays Professor Von Franz, a vampire hunter offering depth to the historical horror narrative. His character emerges as one of the few who comprehensively grasps the threat posed by the sinister Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård. While the titular villain brings chaos and disease to Ellen Hutter’s (Lily-Rose Depp) hometown, Von Franz becomes pivotal to unraveling Orlok’s dark mysteries.
The modern retelling revolves around themes much like those explored historically; it taps deep psychological and emotional layers akin to those present during the original Nosferatu, especially with its haunting motifs of plague and mortality. Eggers reflects on how Murnau transformed the Dracula lore, saying, "I’ve loved it ever since I was nine years old when I first saw the Murnau film... it was like a fairy tale."
The film seeks to reclaim this narrative but with added intricacies, focusing primarily on the female perspective, embodied by Depp’s character.
During their discussions, Dafoe emphasizes the outsider's perspective he channels through Von Franz: "He gives you a different point of view!" he shares, highlighting how his character's knowledge of the supernatural opens doors to unique interactions within the narrative. This viewpoint is pivotal, as various characters around him dwell within ignorance toward the darkness threatening them.
The collaboration between Dafoe and Eggers has blossomed over the years, starting with the 2019 film The Lighthouse. "If it’s good, you come back," Dafoe states, encapsulating not only his trust but his excitement to work alongside Eggers again. Their working relationship is grounded in mutual respect and passion for storytelling, as both share the sentiment of delving deep, finding truths within the grotesque and sublime aspects of their characters and narratives. "He puts me in the best way possible to enjoy and be invested and just challenged," Dafoe comments on Eggers's directing style.
Eggers' fascination with Dafoe extends beyond their collaborations, pointing to previous performances, especially noting Dafoe’s remarkable portrayal of Max Schreck, the original Nosferatu actor, where he masterfully blended reality and myth, giving rise to the legend of vampires intertwined with film history. The casting of Dafoe as Von Franz is no accident; it's built on this rich history of performance and horror.
Reflecting on their previous work, Dafoe fondly recalls moments from The Lighthouse, including challenging scenes where discomfort bred creative discovery. "A scene where I’m buried alive, I’m speaking poetic language, and it’s really cold, cold, cold... those elements push me to places I’ve never been before," he explains, painting how challenges translate to character development and storytelling depth.
With this latest adaptation of Nosferatu, audiences can expect not only thrilling horror but also complex dynamics tinged with romance. This Gothic rendering aims to build emotional connections, dragging viewers deep beneath the surface of terror. Dafoe’s portrayal of Von Franz is expected to be layered and reflective, fulfilling the void of wisdom and intimacy required to connect disparate narrative threads.
Anticipation builds around the December release, especially as both Eggers and Dafoe express excitement to share their take on such classic material, hoping to breathe new life and contemporary relevance to the spectral tale. Merging the classic horror story with modern sensibilities invites audiences to approach it with fresh lenses, fit for today's society.
With lurking dread and inevitable confrontations between good and evil, the new Nosferatu is set not just as another horror film but as an exploration of the harrowing depths of human nature—anchored by Willem Dafoe’s compelling performance.
