The true story behind Nosferatu is almost too unhinged to believe

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As a lifelong cinephile who has seen countless films and documentaries about the history of horror, I must say that the story behind Nosferatu is one that truly sends shivers down my spine. The real-life inspirations for this iconic vampire tale are not just fascinating but also deeply chilling.

From an uninitiated perspective, Nosferatu appears as a chilling piece of imagination – however, this horror film draws inspiration from genuinely spine-tingling real-world incidents. While it’s not strictly a factual account, some people do speculate that there might be a grain of truth in the story.

As I wrap up another year of gaming, I found myself immersed in a chilling tale penned by Robert Eggers – “The Vampire’s Wake.” In this gripping narrative, I played the role of Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), who unknowingly reawakened an ancient spirit centuries old. Fast forward through time, and years later, I found myself married to Thomas (Nicholas Hoult). However, the spirit we had awakened, now known as Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), sought to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his.

This newly released film isn’t some unexpected surprise; it’s actually a modern adaptation of the 1922 movie that shares its title, which itself was a retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic novel “Dracula”, albeit under a different title.

The tale of Nosferatu isn’t just rooted in historical truth; the journey to bring it to life on screen has become a modern-day folklore.

Nosferatu’s true story started during World War I

In World War 1, Albin Grau, the producer of Nosferatu, served in the German military, and it was the harrowing events he witnessed during his time in the trenches that sparked the idea for the original film.

During the conflict, Grau spent considerable time at the Serbian battlefront. It was here that he encountered a farmhand who shared an intriguing tale about his ancestor. Essentially, this individual held the conviction that his forefather had transformed into a “living vampire” (as such beliefs sometimes go).

In the movie, both the director F. W. Murnau and the main actor Max Schreck had prior experience as soldiers in World War I. It’s uncertain to what extent their war experiences shaped the film, but we can say for sure that there is a notable connection to the occult genre, especially through its portrayal of an ominous rat infestation.

In case you recall from your history classes at school, the front-line trenches often faced a devastating infestation of rats, as depicted in both the 1922 and 2024 portrayals.

The 2024 remake has another real-life inspiration

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can share that the inspiration behind my proposed 2024 remake of Nosferatu stemmed from a chilling encounter I had just a few years back in rural Romania.

Twenty years ago, I came across an intriguing tale in Southern Romania. A man, infamous for being a heavy drinker and a difficult soul, was rumored to be a vampire. After his burial, his family claimed he returned as a strigoi, tormenting them at night. His daughter-in-law bore the brunt of these nightly attacks, falling ill as a result.

When his physical form was eliminated according to folklore, the haunting visits by the vampire ceased. His rule of fear and terror came to an end. His daughter-in-law was healed. The lingering pain that not even death can forget is the heartbreaking idea at the core of believing in vampires. This deeply rooted belief highlights the enduring trauma.

He went on to say, “The traditional vampire isn’t smooth and sophisticated, nor does he have a mysterious allure. Instead, the folk vampire represents illness, death, and raw sexuality in an uncompromising and harsh manner. This is the vampire I aimed to reintroduce for today’s viewers.

As a gamer, if you’re new to this concept, a Strigoi is essentially a creature that sports a bald head, has no appetite for garlic or onions, shuns incense, and prefers to slumber outdoors around the Feast of Saint Andrew. Unusually, it has an extended spine resembling a tail, which is covered in hair.

Essentially, Bill Skarsgård’s Count Orlok looks something more akin to this… when we do see him.

The 1922 movie was plagued with controversial issues

The 1922 Nosferatu film was not just unlawful, but it also drew criticism due to perceived anti-Semitic overtones and connections to the mystical or occult.

In Germany during that period, our silent movie, modeled after Bram Stoker’s Dracula, wasn’t officially allowed due to the rights to the story not being purchased from the Stoker Estate. Consequently, it wasn’t considered a work in public domain then. However, against copyright issues, production still went ahead, but problems soon arose.

Following its release, Stoker’s heirs initiated a lawsuit alleging that the production violated copyright laws. Consequently, Grau’s production company faced financial ruin, and a judge ordered the destruction of all existing copies of Nosferatu. The reason Guillermo del Toro can create his own adaptation today is because Dracula has entered the public domain worldwide, making it open for anyone to adapt.

However, what you’ve seen so far is merely the beginning. The movie faced a ban in Sweden, not lifted until 1972, due to extreme horror content. Critics also pointed out that Orlok’s initial appearance – featuring a hooked nose and long fingernails – resembled offensive stereotypes of Jewish people. Furthermore, it was criticized for fostering fear towards “The Other,” essentially anyone who doesn’t share your identity.

These final two concepts are believed to have originated, in part, from Stoker’s novel, yet they further stoked the flames of debate surrounding the film “Nosferatu.

On Christmas Day in US theaters, Nosferatu will be screened, while UK audiences can expect it on their screens starting January 1st. Until then, delve into the most terrifying horror films inspired by real events, top-tier horror anime, and kid-friendly horror movies for a chilling experience. Don’t forget to explore this month’s other new movie releases as well!

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2024-12-26 19:25