Digest

This episode delves into Robert Eggers' "Nosferatu," praising its stunning cinematography and production while critiquing its pacing and narrative. The hosts explore themes of sexual repression in the Victorian era, compare the film to Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and discuss various vampire lore elements. They analyze character archetypes, historical medical practices, and the film's visual aesthetics, including Bill Skarsgård's transformation. The discussion also covers the film's budget, box office performance, and memorable scenes, concluding with reflections on its rewatchability and a preview of their next podcast topic.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Patron Shoutouts

The episode begins with a warm welcome and thanks to the patrons of the podcast, highlighting their value to the horror virgin community.

00:00:43

Initial Impressions and Directorial Debate

The hosts share initial thoughts on "Nosferatu," noting its visual appeal and production quality. A debate arises about whether Robert Eggers is a great director or if his success is due to his cinematographer, Jarin Blaschke, placing "Nosferatu" as a middle ground in his directorial spectrum.

00:05:53

"Nosferatu" as an Accessible Dracula and Pacing Issues

The film is compared to Bram Stoker's "Dracula" as a more accessible version. Despite visual strengths, pacing and narrative weaknesses are discussed, making it feel like a familiar retelling of vampire tropes.

00:08:43

Thematic Interpretations: Sexual Repression and Cultural Norms

The film is humorously interpreted as a tale about sexual repression, linking it to concepts like "no nut November." The discussion analyzes Victorian cultural repression and the portrayal of female sexuality as sinful.

00:12:37

Vampire Lore and Narrative Deviations

Classic vampire lore, including the need for home soil and entry rules, is discussed. The film's unique take on consent and deviations from the original "Dracula" narrative, such as character names and plot points, are highlighted. The inclusion of plague elements is appreciated for its metaphorical significance.

00:19:41

Production Background and Film Length

It's revealed that "Nosferatu" was made due to an inability to secure rights for "Dracula." The movie's runtime and slow pacing are noted, with anticipation for a lengthy discussion due to limited plot progression.

00:21:13

Comparisons and Costume Critiques

A debate on which film is "hornier" between "Nosferatu" and Coppola's "Dracula" occurs. The costume design for Ellen is critiqued, and a popular meme associated with the film that doesn't appear in the movie is discussed.

00:24:05

Opening Scenes and Ellen's Affliction

The episode opens with classic logos and a somber voiceover. Ellen experiences a disturbing nightmare that blurs into reality, manifesting as seizures, hinting at her connection to Orlock. The discussion touches on societal norms of the era and Ellen's premonitions.

00:26:57

Herr Knock and Character Parallels

Herr Knock, a solicitor, facilitates property transfer and is revealed as complicit with Nosferatu. He is identified as the Renfield-like character, drawing parallels to other vampire narratives.

00:32:50

Ship Names, Hosting Challenges, and Medical Discussions

The name of the ship, "The Deuter," prompts a joke. The hosts imagine the challenges of hosting Ellen due to her distress. A discussion about seizures and appropriate responses, especially when sexualized, takes place, with a humorous comparison to the Green Goblin.

00:35:13

Ellen's Distress, Dreams, and Historical Medicine

Ellen's emotional state and interactions within her social circle are explored. She shares a disturbing dream foreshadowing events. Historical medical practices, such as balancing humors and using Laudanum, are touched upon.

00:37:19

Family Introductions and Victorian Traditions

The Harding family is introduced, highlighting their affluence and Ellen's connection. The couple's intimate moment is commented on, and the practice of keeping hair in lockets is discussed as a Victorian tradition.

00:40:31

Herr Knock's Rituals and "Dong" Scene

Herr Knock is shown performing dark rituals, emphasizing his role as a facilitator for Nosferatu. The film's depiction of male anatomy and the "dong" scene are revisited.

00:41:36

Nicholas Hoult's Journey and Eastern European Setting

Nicholas Hoult embarks on his travels, with a significant portion of the film dedicated to his journey. The visual representation of 1838 Eastern Europe and the villagers' superstition are noted.

00:42:33

Innkeeper's Warning and Hoult's Dream

An old woman at the inn attempts to protect Hoult, warning him of curses. Hoult experiences a disturbing dream involving a ritual and wakes up with muddy boots, suggesting its reality.

00:43:21

Ritualistic Dreams and Disappearances

The necessity of the naked woman on horseback in a dream sequence is questioned. Hoult wakes to find everyone gone, leading to speculation about vampire hunters or Orlock's influence.

00:44:13

Protection Rituals and Supernatural Encounters

The practice of spitting for protection against evil is discussed. Hoult encounters a driverless carriage, a supernatural element that raises concerns.

00:46:59

Castle Arrival and Midnight Meeting

Hoult arrives at the castle and is pressured by Count Orlock to sign documents at midnight. A humorous comparison is made between Count Orlock and the Count from Sesame Street.

00:48:57

Hoult's Condition and Ellen's Crisis

Hoult wakes up bitten and unwell, raising concerns about his condition. Ellen expresses feelings of emptiness and being controlled, prompting concern from her friend Anna.

00:50:06

Corsets, Pacing, and Orlok's Delivery

The restrictive nature of corsets is linked to emotional suppression. The film's slow pace is acknowledged, with minimal plot development. Count Orlok's deliberate delivery of lines is highlighted.

00:51:52

Hoult's Return and Orlok's Fascination

Hoult returns to the castle, still unwell, and is pressured to sign documents. Orlok takes Ellen's hair locket and comments on the scent of lilacs.

00:53:10

Hoult's Imprisonment and Orlok's Pursuit

Hoult is unable to leave the castle and discovers coffins, leading to a chase by Orlok. The film's explicit depiction of male anatomy occurs during Orlok's awakening and pursuit.

00:54:21

Hoult's Fall and Telepathic Communication

Hoult falls into water while being pursued, and Orlok telepathically communicates with Ellen. Ellen's nightmare and seizures intensify, intertwined with Orlok's influence.

00:55:33

Herr Knock's Fate and Familiar Role

Herr Knock is found in a disturbing state, awaiting Orlock's arrival and transformation. The concept of a familiar is discussed, with Knock practicing blood consumption.

00:56:37

Ellen's Seizures and Medical Assessment

Ellen continues to suffer from seizures, and Dr. Severs is called to examine her, noting Knock's disappearance. Medical professionals are baffled by her condition, considering supernatural explanations.

00:57:34

Orlok's Past and Present Threat

A flashback reveals Count Orlok's history as an enchanter who made a deal with the devil. The narrative shifts to Orlok spreading a plague aboard a ship.

00:59:32

Ellen's Affliction and Medical Theories

Ellen experiences a severe seizure, coinciding with the appearance of the Green Goblin. Her recurring spells and their connection to Thomas are discussed, with a focus on blood and medical interventions.

01:01:15

Christmas, Possession, and Historical Beliefs

In a Christmas setting, characters discuss Ellen's apparent possession. Willem Dafoe offers a medical perspective linking the condition to historical beliefs about women and the devil.

01:01:59

The Plague Ship and Orlok's Awakening

A sailor opens a crate on a plague-ridden ship, releasing Count Orlok. The narrative highlights the spread of the plague and the ensuing chaos.

01:02:53

Orlok's Spread and Thomas's Return

Count Orlok continues to spread the plague. Thomas returns home unaware of the danger, while Ellen's episodes persist.

01:03:35

Investigating the Plague and Supernatural Links

Authorities investigate the plague outbreak, suspecting a link to vampires. The discussion involves Friedrich and doctors, with the Green Goblin suggesting supernatural possibilities.

01:04:14

Orlok's Estate and Stylistic Comparisons

Count Orlok is transported to his estate and plans to visit Ellen. The discussion touches upon the film's stylistic choices and acting roles.

01:05:30

Vampire Presence and Ellen's Choice

Doctors confirm vampire involvement as plague victims lack blood. Count Orlok appears at Ellen's home, giving her three nights to decide her fate.

01:06:56

Ellen's Sacrifice and Complex Desires

Ellen prepares to join Anna, in a scene interpreted as queer-coded. Ellen confronts Thomas about being sold, revealing her past agreement with Orlok.

01:08:32

Harding's Desperation and Ellen's Revelation

Harding, overwhelmed by his wife's condition, kicks everyone out. Ellen reveals her past agreement with a demon (Orlok) and how meeting Thomas temporarily alleviated her issues.

01:10:02

A Proposition and Tragic Sacrifice

Ellen, seemingly possessed, challenges Thomas. Willem Dafoe proposes a plan: Ellen distracts Orlok until sunrise, leading to his death, but at the cost of her own life.

01:11:37

Orlok's Rampage and Thomas's Demise

Count Orlok kills Anna and her children. Thomas succumbs to despair. Plans are made to confront Orlok, with Ellen's sacrifice as the proposed solution.

01:12:41

Stamina Debate and Unusual Attractions

The discussion humorously debates Orlok's stamina and the significance of the "motorboat vein." This leads to anecdotes about unusual dating app messages and a fascination with visible veins and foot fetishes.

01:15:43

Crypt Incident, Manor Fire, and Sacrifice

Friedrich retrieves his wife's body, leading to his tragic end. The group targets Orlok's manor, where he is meeting Ellen. Hare Canock intervenes, sacrificing himself for Orlok.

01:17:13

Final Confrontation and Orlok's Demise

Willem Dafoe sets fire to Orlok's manor. Nicholas Holt witnesses Orlok feeding on Ellen, who sacrifices herself by keeping him engaged until sunrise, causing his death.

01:18:20

Reflections on Visuals and Pacing

The hosts discuss the film's beauty, pacing, and visual elements, including nods to the original. They express reservations about its rewatchability due to its slow pace.

01:19:40

Fun Facts and Production Details

Fun facts are shared, including historical vampire grave identification methods, filming locations, and the innovative use of frozen potato flakes for snow.

01:22:54

Visual Aesthetics and Character Transformations

The discussion covers the film's moonlit aesthetic achieved through post-production color removal. Bill Skarsgård's transformation into Count Orlok is detailed.

01:24:31

Casting Changes and Word Origin

Bill Skarsgård was initially cast as Thomas Hutter before moving to Count Orlok. The uncertain origin of the word "Nosferatu" is explored.

01:25:49

Box Office Performance and Budget

The film's $50 million budget and impressive box office performance are discussed, with a total gross of $181.7 million.

01:28:24

Scary Scale and Future Watchlist

The film is rated low on the "scary scale." The hosts announce their next watch: "The Last Voyage of the Demeter."

01:29:43

Listener Reviews and Podcast Promotion

A Spotify comment is read. The hosts promote their other podcast, "Romancing the Pod," and encourage listeners to leave reviews.

01:31:40

Show Support and Contact Information

Listeners are encouraged to support the show via Patreon, send mail, and follow the hosts on social media. The episode concludes with a spooky sign-off.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main criticism of Robert Eggers' directing style in "Nosferatu"?

  Some critics and viewers feel that while Eggers' films are visually stunning, they can be overly long and slow-paced, with the cinematography sometimes overshadowing the narrative drive.

• How does "Nosferatu" relate to Bram Stoker's "Dracula"?

  "Nosferatu" is a reimagining of "Dracula" made without the rights to the novel, leading to significant plot and character similarities. It adapts the core story with Eggers' distinct visual and thematic approach.

• What are some key elements of traditional vampire lore discussed in the episode?

  The discussion touches on vampires needing home soil to rest, the rule that they cannot enter a home uninvited, and their aversion to garlic and sunlight.

• How does the film portray sexual repression in the Victorian era?

  The film suggests that Victorian society viewed female sexuality as dangerous or sinful, linking it to demonic influence, as seen in Ellen's seizures.

• What is the significance of the plague in "Nosferatu"?

  The plague is incorporated as a metaphor for Count Orlok's corrupting influence, symbolizing the spread of disease and decay that accompanies his presence.

• Why was "Nosferatu" made as a silent film adaptation of "Dracula"?

  The filmmakers were unable to secure the rights to Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," so they created "Nosferatu" with altered names and plot points to circumvent copyright issues.

• What is the "dong" scene in "Nosferatu"?

  The "dong" scene refers to a moment in the film where Count Orlok is depicted with full frontal nudity, a detail that has been a point of discussion and humor.

• What is the significance of the hair locket in the film?

  The hair locket, containing Ellen's hair, becomes an object of fascination for Count Orlock, who is drawn to its scent.

• How does Herr Knock function in the narrative?

  Herr Knock acts as a Renfield-like character, a solicitor who facilitates Count Orlock's arrival and business dealings, engaging in dark rituals.

• What historical medical practice was attempted on the sick patient before considering supernatural causes?

  Bloodletting was the primary medical practice attempted. Doctors removed large amounts of the patient's blood, but it proved ineffective.

Show Notes