All Of It Podcast Summary: Bringing 'Nosferatu' Back to Life
Episode Release Date: December 16, 2024
Host: Alison Stewart
Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the world of cinema during the holiday movie week, focusing on the revival of the classic vampire tale in the film "Nosferatu." The episode features an in-depth conversation with director Robert Eggers and actress Lily Rose Depp, exploring the creative and thematic elements that breathe new life into this iconic story.
Overview of "Nosferatu": Plot and Themes
"Nosferatu" is reimagined as a profound examination of evil, sin, and suffering, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Germany. The film centers on Ellen Hutter (played by Lily Rose Depp), who is haunted by disturbing dreams indicative of a demonic presence intent on her sole obsession. The narrative follows Ellen's husband as he travels to Transylvania to encounter the enigmatic Count Orlok, setting the stage for a haunting exploration of love, obsession, and the supernatural.
Notable Quote:
Ellen Hutter (Lily Rose Depp) [01:50]: "Standing before me all in black was..."
Robert Eggers [01:56]: "Death."
Ellen Hutter [01:59]: "But I was so happy, so very happy. We exchanged vows, we embraced. And when we turned around, everyone was dead. Father and everyone. The stench of their bodies was horrible and but I never meant so happy."
Guest Introduction: Lily Rose Depp and Robert Eggers
Alison Stewart warmly welcomes Lily Rose Depp, star of "Nosferatu," and Robert Eggers, the film's director. The conversation begins with a reflection on Eggers' longstanding fascination with the "Nosferatu" story, tracing back to his teenage years when he co-directed a high school play adaptation of the classic vampire tale. This early experience solidified his passion for directing and his dedication to reinterpreting the vampire lore.
Casting and Character Development
The episode delves into Lily Rose Depp's casting process, highlighting her immediate connection with the script's poetic and visceral prose. Depp shares her excitement upon reading the script and her swift progression from a Zoom meeting to securing the role. Robert Eggers emphasizes Depp's raw emotional ability, stating:
Notable Quote:
Robert Eggers [03:22]: "Lily didn't really need this because her audition was so powerful. Everyone was in tears because it was so raw."
Actor Preparation and Role Challenges
Depp discusses the extensive preparation required for her role, including watching a curated list of films and studying intricate texts like "Peor," which explores themes of piety and demonic possession. This preparation was pivotal in shaping her portrayal of Ellen Hutter, allowing her to embody the character's inner turmoil and suppressed sexuality within the constraints of 19th-century societal norms.
Notable Quote:
Lily Rose Depp [06:40]: "The more information, the more references, the more ideas, the better."
Visual and Cinematic Choices
Robert Eggers provides insight into the film's visual aesthetic, contrasting modern cinematic depictions of vampires with folkloric accuracy. He describes the design process for Count Orlok, drawing inspiration from historical portraits and emphasizing the grotesque, undead nature of early vampire folklore. This approach ensures a departure from the seductive portrayals seen in contemporary media, aiming instead for a viscerally terrifying representation.
Notable Quote:
Robert Eggers [19:05]: "These early folk vampires were not seductive, pale-faced aristocrats... they were festering, bloated, maggot-ridden corpses that were undead and walking around."
Release Strategy and Timing
The decision to release "Nosferatu" during the Christmas season is discussed, with Eggers highlighting the tradition of ghost stories tied to the holidays in many European cultures. This timing juxtaposes the festive backdrop with the macabre narrative, offering audiences a unique ghost story experience that aligns with seasonal storytelling traditions.
Notable Quote:
Robert Eggers [24:45]: "This is basically my ghost story around the fireplace at Christmas."
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The conversation offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the film. Alison Stewart praises Depp's ability to navigate intense scenes with physical and emotional demands, while Eggers commends her performance as both freaky and authentically terrifying. Additionally, they discuss the use of real rats in the film, underscoring the commitment to practical effects over CGI to maintain authenticity.
Notable Quote:
Robert Eggers [27:03]: "There were thousands of real rats. But they were very intelligent and well-behaved."
Notable Moments and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Alison Stewart reflects on the film's juxtaposition of intimacy and distance, particularly in scenes that transition from close-ups to expansive landscapes. This technique enhances the cinematic language of "Nosferatu," creating a dynamic visual experience that supports the film's thematic depth.
Notable Quote:
Robert Eggers [23:49]: "There can be power in cutting from a close-up to a landscape... it's always gonna... it's more refreshing."
Conclusion
In this engaging episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart successfully captures the essence of "Nosferatu," offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the film's creation, themes, and artistic choices. Through thoughtful discussions with Robert Eggers and Lily Rose Depp, the episode serves as both a companion and curator of New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, embodying the podcast's mission to explore the what and why of creative work.
For more insightful discussions on culture and its consumers, tune in to All Of It weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC.