“Nosferatu” is definitely the big horror event of 2024. More specifically, it’s the fact that Bill Skarsgård will play Count Orlok, one of the most evil and horrific creatures in the history of cinema.
Robert Eggers, the director, has been absolutely smart and, recognizing all the buzz that Andy Muschietti caused by keeping the actor’s look as Pennywise under wraps for as long as possible, seems to be following the same path.
The difference between the two is that, by the time the first trailer for “It” was released, Skarsgård’s look as Pennywise had already been disclosed. Focus Features has already released the “Nosferatu” trailer, but we still don’t know what the new Count Orlok looks like in full face. However, as it is an adaptation of the 1922 title of the same name, we certainly know what his characteristics will be like.
All on Count Orlok, the monster that leads ‘Nosferatu’
Technically, Nosferatu is Dracula, but they are quite different entities when you look at the details. The 1922 German movie “Nosferatu”, which Eggers recently adapted, is based on Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula,” with some changes that are worth noting.
When we think of Dracula, we often picture the charismatic and aristocratic vampire popularized by Bela Lugosi in Tod Browning’s famous film. Nosferatu, however, is far from that. Instead, Count Orlok has a distinctive, rat-like appearance with elongated fingers and ears, portraying a more grotesque and monstrous figure compared to the suave Count Dracula.
Furthermore, “Nosferatu” focuses more on the diabolical relationship between Count Orlok and Ellen Hutter, the wife of his estate agent. In contrast, “Dracula” and its identical adaptations often center on the conflict between the vampire, Jonathan Harker (the estate agent), and Van Helsing.
Another key difference, highlighted in the trailer for Robert Eggers’ remake, is that Count Orlok’s prominent power is his shadow, which can move independently and from place to place. Dracula, on the other hand, is more famous for his powers of shapeshifting, hypnosis, and mind control.
So, while Dracula and Nosferatu originate from the same source material, Nosferatu presents a darker and more horrific version of the vampire legend.
