One of the most common compliments that Robert Eggers and his team received in reviews forNosferatuwas how incredibly immersive the world of Orlok and Ellen Hutter is, and a behind-the-scenes featurette from the movie’s digital release shows how Eggers is able to accomplish that element. The digital release ofNosferatuincludes an extended cut of the film in addition to the typical behind-the-scenes fare, and given thatNosferatu’s extended runtime is only four minutes longer, the BTS featurettes provide some of the most fascinating new content. One in particular expounds upon the movie’s camera work.
Robert Eggers' movies routinely receive sky-high Rotten Tomatoes scoreslargely because of how well-executed his work is, not only at creating dread and tension, but also for his attention to detail to the historical time period in which his stories are set. That intricacy extends to the actual film-making process in addition to the movies' sets, dialogue, and costumes, particularly as to how Eggers manages to pull off some of his films' most famous shots. In theNosferatubehind-the-scenes featurette “Capturing the Mood”, the young American auteur provided a look at why the Gothic horror film feels so immersive.
Nosferatu’s Extended Cut Subtly Sets Up Robert Eggers' Next Horror Movie
A lengthened scene from the Nosferatu Extended Cut contains a subtle reference to Robert Eggers' next movie for those who listen closely.
Eggers Will Oftentime Start With A Vignette And Move Everything Else Around It
Image via Focus Features
In theNosferatubehind-the-scenes featurette “Capturing the Mood”, Eggers and his director of photography and long-time friend Jarin Blaschke went into more detail about how they think through scenes, specifically when it comes to creating dread. Some of the most impactful scenes inNosferatuare delivered as single-take shots, with the camera progressing through one scene composition after the other. As Blaschke noted,when there are fewer cuts, tension builds naturally as a person watches a scene. However, to accomplish this effect, it requires the camera, and therefore the audience’s viewpoint, to act as the center of the setup.
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Their combined shooting style requiresa series of long, complicated moves to ensure that the camera remains in position to create that immersive effect. Naturally, that means other elements of the production, whether they’re cast or crew, need to move in real time to allow the camera to stay on the desired path. “Capturing the Mood” shows one scene in particular, when Orlok’s shadow approaches Ellen’s bedroom and she levitates, that required the entire set to collapse and break away to ensure that the camera could precisely follow Ellen’s movements. It requires ingenuity to even accomplish, much less accomplish well.
Why Eggers' Style Of Filming Is So Impressive
It Requires Intense Coordination Between The Cast And Crew
Creating that immersive effect in which the camera never breaks away and stays in exactly the perspective that Eggers wants creates a challenge for everyone involved in the production. A single shot requires not only the camera, sound, and lighting crews to move in real time around the camera, but also the actors and actresses themselves. While it’s normal for the cast to have marks that they need it hit for the sake of timing and setting up a shot correctly,Eggers' production ofNosferaturequired that level of coordination from everyone involved.
Willem Dafoe, who plays Professor Von Franzin the movie, provided the actor’s perspective on how it impacts their craft:
These shots are designed, and then you have to bend yourself into accomplishing the shots, but it’s challenging. Luckily, the cast have the ability to do the craft of very difficult choreography with the camera.
It’s an incredibly elaborate method of filmmaking, butEggers' reason for undertaking that effort is evident in the end result.Nosferatu, like all Eggers' movies, is breathtakingly immersive thanks to his efforts, and it’s why he has developed such a sterling reputation so quickly. Getting that level of coordination and effort requires buy-in from everyone involved, and it’s one of the hardest parts of being a director. It’s a big reason whyNosferatuhas been so successful, and why Eggers' star will continue to rise.
