Drawing on 19th century Romanticism's rebellion against industrialization, Nosferatu uses its visual style to reflect the anxieties of techno-capitalism for today’s audience.
"I am left wondering if Nosferatu is indicative of a resurgence of Romantic values for modern times, as technology tightens its firm grasp on every part of our lives."
Yes it absolutely is as there's already a wave of folk literature/music/cinema revival for some years now (and Eggers has been part of it from the start with the VVitch) as well as many people researching local folk traditions and embracing a closer relationship with nature in spiritual ways (neo paganism as one example). The good thing is that to a great extent the wave is driven by people who don't embrace small minded beliefs of older times, but just appreciate the magical simplicity of a time free of dystopian technology, mass consumption and capitalist dread, where the relationship between humanity and nature was better.
Loved this! And I personally really enjoyed the movie. Now that you’ve pointed it out I definitely see the Romanticism-inspired aesthetic. In general I think Romantic/ gothic literature really lends itself to film adaptations because it’s so dramatic and expressive so I’m excited to see what they do with the upcoming films you mentioned
Thanks Roberta! That’s a great theory about why Gothic adaptations are having a moment. Yes it’s going to have such an interesting trickle down into fashion, excited to see how people get inspired by it!
Thank you so much for this insightful journey! Nosferatu definitely stuck with me and I am not sure I loved every minute of it, but I connected with so much of what I felt the film was saying. I saw themes of patriarchal abuse in the actual story, but what you describe here unlocked another layer that maps onto those themes, giving deeper weight to moments that moved the story forward. I left the theater thinking it was so beautifully shot and now I better understand why. I definitely felt this film was a reminder of why we go to the movies and how powerful an art form film can be, and appreciate that through Eggers we now have a more thoughtful connection to this period of art history, and what it can show us about who we are today.
I wasn't a fan of this film (I prefer the Herzog and earlier versions), but I really enjoyed your study of German Romantic art viewed through the lens of Nosferatu. I learned something new - thanks!
It wasn’t my favorite film either, more like something I wanted to watch to see what it was all about! The art history aspect was most interesting to me and I’m so glad you felt like you learned something new! 🦇
Loved this! This wasn't my favorite Eggers (one of my fave tattoos is of the mentioned but never seen silver cup from The VVitch), but I found it very compelling visually, and loved the general gothic, eerie vibes. It was a little boring at times (I think 20 mins probably could've been shaved off) and I was left feeling a little dissatisfied with the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed Willem Dafoe as ever, and was very impressed with Lily Rose Depp's acting.
It was a little slow at times…the overall writing wasn’t my favorite! Lily definitely brought it all to life. I can’t wait to see her in more projects.
I still haven't had a chance to see Nosferatu, but I am so intrigued by this reading! German romanticism (but romantic nationalism specifically) is making an appearance in my next piece, so it's really been on my mind for the last few months. So interesting to think of how RETVRN-style anti-modernity is being complicated by oppositions to the right-wing tech bros – two parallel reactions to liberal visions of progress.
Wow this is such an interesting point, never thought of it like that but I loved seeing the paintings that probably inspired it. I liked it, definitely of a piece with Robert Eggers' oeuvre and also definitely a cinema-necessary watch, Lily-Rose Depp was great in the lead and if all nepo babies were as good at their nepo jobs as her I don't think they'd get as much criticism m.
The one fashion detail that jumped out at me was Ellen's hat at the funeral forming an almost halo shape around her head as she speaks of her plan/subterfuge, a halo but it's black? Seemed very apropos.
Fui assistir recentemente ao filme e amei, principalmente dessa temática gótica, a fotografia das cenas que fazia à tempos que não via em um filme. Mas precisamente Ellen que vive em um período onde a mulher era reprimida por falar, sentir e pensar.
Muito obrigada por sua análise, isso me deu uma percepção diferente também sobre o filme e gostar ainda mais.
"I am left wondering if Nosferatu is indicative of a resurgence of Romantic values for modern times, as technology tightens its firm grasp on every part of our lives."
Yes it absolutely is as there's already a wave of folk literature/music/cinema revival for some years now (and Eggers has been part of it from the start with the VVitch) as well as many people researching local folk traditions and embracing a closer relationship with nature in spiritual ways (neo paganism as one example). The good thing is that to a great extent the wave is driven by people who don't embrace small minded beliefs of older times, but just appreciate the magical simplicity of a time free of dystopian technology, mass consumption and capitalist dread, where the relationship between humanity and nature was better.
I loved this because I *hated* the movie and your interpretation and thinking actually make me like it more! I did appreciate the ambiance.
I feel the same. My one word review as we left the theatre was “repugnant” but I have enjoyed your take on it Viv.
Ugh that means A LOT!!!!!!!! 🫶
Loved this! And I personally really enjoyed the movie. Now that you’ve pointed it out I definitely see the Romanticism-inspired aesthetic. In general I think Romantic/ gothic literature really lends itself to film adaptations because it’s so dramatic and expressive so I’m excited to see what they do with the upcoming films you mentioned
Thanks Roberta! That’s a great theory about why Gothic adaptations are having a moment. Yes it’s going to have such an interesting trickle down into fashion, excited to see how people get inspired by it!
Thank you so much for this insightful journey! Nosferatu definitely stuck with me and I am not sure I loved every minute of it, but I connected with so much of what I felt the film was saying. I saw themes of patriarchal abuse in the actual story, but what you describe here unlocked another layer that maps onto those themes, giving deeper weight to moments that moved the story forward. I left the theater thinking it was so beautifully shot and now I better understand why. I definitely felt this film was a reminder of why we go to the movies and how powerful an art form film can be, and appreciate that through Eggers we now have a more thoughtful connection to this period of art history, and what it can show us about who we are today.
I wasn't a fan of this film (I prefer the Herzog and earlier versions), but I really enjoyed your study of German Romantic art viewed through the lens of Nosferatu. I learned something new - thanks!
It wasn’t my favorite film either, more like something I wanted to watch to see what it was all about! The art history aspect was most interesting to me and I’m so glad you felt like you learned something new! 🦇
Loved this! This wasn't my favorite Eggers (one of my fave tattoos is of the mentioned but never seen silver cup from The VVitch), but I found it very compelling visually, and loved the general gothic, eerie vibes. It was a little boring at times (I think 20 mins probably could've been shaved off) and I was left feeling a little dissatisfied with the ending. I thoroughly enjoyed Willem Dafoe as ever, and was very impressed with Lily Rose Depp's acting.
It was a little slow at times…the overall writing wasn’t my favorite! Lily definitely brought it all to life. I can’t wait to see her in more projects.
I still haven't had a chance to see Nosferatu, but I am so intrigued by this reading! German romanticism (but romantic nationalism specifically) is making an appearance in my next piece, so it's really been on my mind for the last few months. So interesting to think of how RETVRN-style anti-modernity is being complicated by oppositions to the right-wing tech bros – two parallel reactions to liberal visions of progress.
a great observation
Wow this is such an interesting point, never thought of it like that but I loved seeing the paintings that probably inspired it. I liked it, definitely of a piece with Robert Eggers' oeuvre and also definitely a cinema-necessary watch, Lily-Rose Depp was great in the lead and if all nepo babies were as good at their nepo jobs as her I don't think they'd get as much criticism m.
The one fashion detail that jumped out at me was Ellen's hat at the funeral forming an almost halo shape around her head as she speaks of her plan/subterfuge, a halo but it's black? Seemed very apropos.
Fui assistir recentemente ao filme e amei, principalmente dessa temática gótica, a fotografia das cenas que fazia à tempos que não via em um filme. Mas precisamente Ellen que vive em um período onde a mulher era reprimida por falar, sentir e pensar.
Muito obrigada por sua análise, isso me deu uma percepção diferente também sobre o filme e gostar ainda mais.
I can't wait to see Eggers' latest visual feast. Thanks for the compelling review.