A new cinematic rendition of the classic Dracula tale, "Nosferatu," offers a fresh perspective by centering on a female protagonist, Ellen Hutter, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp. This adaptation marks a departure from previous films, positioning Ellen at the heart of the narrative as she confronts a haunting vampire.
Director Robert Eggers expressed his immediate certainty about Depp's casting, noting her profound understanding of the script and character. Her audition performance was described as powerful, raw, and ferocious, solidifying her as the perfect fit for the role after a lengthy casting process that saw several changes.
Depp herself stated her intense desire for the role, resulting in an emotionally and physically charged audition, despite the challenges of virtual casting. Her dedication involved working closely with a movement coach to ensure that Ellen's physical expressions mirrored her internal turmoil.
The character's physicality is significant; Ellen is depicted as experiencing profound emotional distress, which manifests in severe physical reactions such as seizures and violent spasms. Depp's commitment to embodying Ellen's suffering is central to the film's narrative.
Eggers' adaptation also focuses on giving Ellen a central perspective throughout the film, unlike the 1922 version, which emphasizes her perspective only towards the end. He emphasizes that Count Orlok's presence is made especially terrifying by this lens.
Eggers also discussed his intention to reimagine the vampire for modern audiences, drawing inspiration from "folkloric vampires" rather than relying solely on traditional interpretations. He aims to create a villain who is closer to a putrid, rotting corpse, moving away from the typical suave portrayals of the vampire.
Bill Skarsgård, who plays Count Orlok, has a look that is heavily influenced by this approach, with distinctive makeup and costume. Eggers stated this portrayal, featuring a mustache inspired by Bram Stoker's original Dracula, reflects a desire to honor the source material while pushing the boundaries of cinematic vampires.
"Nosferatu" is currently showing in theaters nationwide.
