Robert Eggers’ «Nosferatu» is a faithful adaptation of FW Murnau’s original gothic horror film, which was inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel «Dracula.» The three versions of this popular horror story delve into similar themes, such as the subversion of contemporary gender roles, the rise of industrialization, and the conflict between science and the supernatural world. This adherence to key themes is one of the reasons why «Nosferatu» is considered one of the best horror remakes of all time, as it effectively explores ideas introduced by Stoker and Murnau.
At the center of «Nosferatu» is Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), a supernatural vampire who travels to Victorian London in pursuit of a young woman named Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), whom he has been obsessed with for years. The film showcases how Ellen’s companions are unable to combat Orlok using science alone, prompting them to seek guidance from Professor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), who is more attuned to the supernatural realm. This serves as an allegory for the shift in Victorian society towards a reliance on science and reason, with Eggers effectively highlighting the enduring relevance of this subtext.
Von Franz essentially takes on the role of Van Helsing in «Nosferatu,» acting as a bridge between the world of folklore and the realm of science and reason. This character plays a crucial role in bringing the main characters into the supernatural world, challenging their beliefs about science as they confront the increasing danger posed by Orlok. As each day goes by under Orlok’s curse, Von Franz stands as a perpetual reminder to Thomas (Nicholas Hault) and Ellen that appearances can be deceiving.
