Robert Eggers Reveals the Chilling Folklore Behind Orlok’s Mustache

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As a follower with a deep appreciation for horror films and their intricate details, I must say that Robert Eggers‘ new take on ‘Nosferatu’ has truly sent chills down my spine. The character design of Count Orlok is nothing short of brilliant, and Bill Skarsgård’s transformation into the ancient vampire is nothing short of astounding.

The decision to give Orlok a mustache may have raised eyebrows among some fans, but Eggers’ rationale behind it makes perfect sense. Drawing inspiration from folklore and the original roots of vampires, Orlok appears as a decaying, undead Transylvanian nobleman, complete with historically accurate Hungarian attire and a mustache that is deeply rooted in the culture.

What I found particularly intriguing was Eggers’ emphasis on the essential nature of Orlok’s mustache. It seems that finding a Transylvanian person who doesn’t have a mustache might be as rare as finding someone who enjoys remakes of classic horror films without any controversy (a joke for the film dorks among us).

The extended cut of the film in its Blu-ray and DVD release is something I am eagerly anticipating. The back shot of Orlok that was shown in the trailer but cut from the theatrical release promises to be a fascinating addition, although I can understand Eggers’ decision to keep him more mysterious for tension’s sake.

In conclusion, Robert Eggers has breathed new life into ‘Nosferatu’ with his unique and terrifying take on Count Orlok. The film is a must-watch for any horror enthusiast, and I can’t wait to see what other surprises the extended cut might hold – perhaps even a glimpse of Orlok’s favorite Transylvanian delicacy: pickled bat hearts (just kidding… or am I?).

In simpler terms, Orlok is an old, terrifying vampire who visits the town of Wisborg, instilling fear and draining the vitality from his victims, much like Count Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”, but with a more grotesque and frightening appearance.

In the classic 1922 film ‘Nosferatu,’ Count Orlok possessed an eerie appearance, characterized by his bald, ghostly complexion, pointed teeth, elongated fingernails resembling claws, and a skeletal visage that suggested he was from another realm.

In Robert Eggers’ latest adaptation of ‘Nosferatu,’ the character design is innovative and distinct. Upon Thomas Hutter’s (portrayed by Nicholas Hoult) encounter with Orlok, the vampire emerges from his sarcophagus with a bushy mustache, an emaciated visage, decaying skin, and an unforgettable full-frontal scene.

Bill Skarsgård transforms dramatically into Orlok, leaving no trace of his own identity, which is a testament to the exceptional work and commitment of the makeup and special effects team. The vampire character appears as a grotesque, half-rotten cadaver, and he’s undeniably repulsive. Similar to Eggers, other directors have chosen to portray vampires in their traditional forms, as the initial Slavic vampires were described as bloated walking corpses. However, Eggers made a bold move by adding an unexpected element – a mustache.

Eggers clarified that the mustaches, which had drawn criticism from certain fans, were a tribute to folklore and Orlok’s homeland. In simpler terms, he was saying that the mustaches were meant to honor the folktales and the area where Orlok came from.

Eggers described his intention to make vampires more terrifying by basing his depiction on traditional folklore, which often portrays them as rotting, reanimated corpses. Consequently, he conceived Count Orlok as a deceased Transylvanian nobleman, adorned with an authentic Hungarian attire that included long sleeves, high-heeled footwear, a furry hat, and prominently, a mustache.

Eggers underscored the importance of sporting a mustache, as it is deeply ingrained in Transylvanian tradition. He even invoked references to Vlad the Impaler and the original depiction of Dracula from Bram Stoker’s book.

As a lifelong movie buff, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate details that go into creating iconic characters like Count Dracula. Growing up, I was always captivated by the mystique surrounding this enigmatic figure, and I remember vividly the first time I saw Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of the vampire in “Dracula” (1931). The way he moved with such grace and menace, the hypnotic glint in his eyes, the elongated fingers that seemed to beckon you closer – it was a performance that left an indelible mark on me.

Fast forward to my years spent studying theater and film, and I came to appreciate even more the importance of costuming in bringing characters to life. The idea that a complex Hungarian costume with long sleeves, high-heeled shoes, and a furry hat would be worn by Count Dracula seemed perfectly fitting, adding an air of sophistication and mystery to the character. And let’s not forget the mustache – it was a detail that helped distinguish Dracula from other characters on screen, giving him a unique and memorable presence.

But my fascination with the vampire of folklore didn’t stop at his appearance. I became obsessed with uncovering the origins of the character, delving into the history and culture of Transylvania, and trying to understand what a dead nobleman from that region might look like. It was a journey that led me down many winding paths, but ultimately left me with a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of folklore and tradition that influenced the creation of this timeless character.

To this day, I can’t help but be drawn to Count Dracula, whether it’s through rewatching classic films or delving into new adaptations. He remains a symbol of the power of storytelling, and a reminder that even the most putrid, walking undead corpse can captivate our imaginations and leave a lasting impact on popular culture.

Regardless of the circumstances, it’s impossible to find an adult Transylvanian who doesn’t have a mustache, as it’s deeply ingrained in their culture. If you doubt this, consider Vlad the Impaler or even Dracula from Bram Stoker’s novel, both are depicted with a mustache in their respective stories.

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Regarding Bill Skarsgård, Eggers expressed concern that Skarsgård might not receive proper credit for his performance, as he became so immersed in the character. I must concur; at first glance, it’s challenging to recognize Skarsgård amidst the ancient vampire until you zero in on the eyes.

Having worked in the field for decades, I’ve come across many individuals who have undergone remarkable transformations, but none quite like Bill. His evolution is so profound that I worry he might not receive the recognition he deserves due to his unique approach.

He possesses a deep reverence for those who came before him, which is evident in his work. It’s not flashy or showy, but rather, it’s all in the subtleties – the quiet tributes and homages hidden within the layers of his creations.

In my humble opinion, Bill has transcended the typical expectations of his craft and become something more akin to a modern-day folk vampire. His appearance is striking – he exudes an air of mystery and timelessness that makes me think of a dead Transylvanian nobleman. However, we must remember that our understanding of what a real, historical Transylvanian nobleman would look like and be dressed like is limited at best.

In essence, Bill has taken his craft to new heights, paying homage to the past while creating something fresh and captivating. He’s not just there – he’s present in every fiber of his work, and it’s this quiet dedication that sets him apart from others in his field.

Enthusiasts can anticipate additional appearances of Count Orlok in the upcoming Blu-ray and DVD edition of the movie, which offers an extended version. This particular rendition will showcase a scene where Orlok is seen from behind – a shot that was displayed in the trailer but omitted during the initial cinematic release.

Eggers pointed out that although the scene was impressive, it was taken out of the original cut to preserve an air of mystery around Orlok and heighten the suspense. Yet, this scene will be added back into the extended edition for viewers’ delight.

For film enthusiasts, it can be frustrating when a key scene isn’t included in the movie because it enhances the overall experience. Specifically, the shot you’re referring to adds excitement, and I found it quite engaging. However, in the intended context, it spoiled some suspense by revealing [Orlok]’s presence. To maintain an air of mystery, that scene was necessary. Luckily, if you buy the Blu-ray edition, you can find this extended scene in the film’s longer version.

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2025-01-01 12:14