Thoseferatus

[queenslayerbee]

After finally watching Nosferatu (2024) last night, I decided to rewatch Nosferatu: The Vampyre (1979) by Werner Herzog (and Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror from 1922, since I was already on a roll, though I have less to say about this one other than "I definitely need to watch more silent films").

One thing I appreciate a lot from Herzog's version is the stunning visuals. The scenery, the costumes, the colours; it's breathtaking. Nosferatu (2024) was aiming for a different energy and it's one that absolutely works for that film, but the audiovisual experience in the 1979 version is one that has lingered on my memory for years. Especially the danse macabre scene, or literally every lingering shot of Lucy, lbr.

Speaking of, I find Isabelle Adjani as Mina absolutely enchanting as Lucy Harker, in a way that is absent in Lily-Rose Depp's portrayal of Ellen Hutter, but this is again something the latter film wasn't aiming for. However her Ellen inspires in me a deep well of empathy, of rage on her behalf (that's partially present with Lucy, but it's more of a case of discontent with the story's "twist" ending) due to her comparatively lack of agency/the way it's so often trampled on, from the previous two versions. I also appreciate the removal of the "pure woman" angle of the previous two films. In all three cases their character is the one that will stick with me long past the film, either way.

The character work in Eggers' is more to my liking, in general; I feel more connected to the story because of it, to the purposefulness each piece of the play is moved with, the sense of urgency it added; I'm more engaged with the story as a story, for good or ill, as opposed to (profoundly! but admittedly in a more detached and analytical manner) admiring it as an art piece the way I do with Herzog's.

Comments

[greghousesgf]

It's been a long time since I read Dracula but if I remember correctly, when Lucy dies after being bitten but Mina turns into a vampire after being bitten it's hinted at that this is because Mina was more strong willed than Lucy.

[queenslayerbee]

Lucy does turn into a vampire after death, but yeah, iirc Mina had begun showing signs of transitioning. Idk if it would've happend like Lucy's or not, it's been a while for me too.

Idk if you've watched the Nosferatus films, but they kind of merge Mina and Lucy's characters, sort of: Ellen Hutter in the 1922 ans 2024 versions, and Lucy Harker in 1979.

[greghousesgf]

I've only seen the silent Nosferatu and that was a really long time ago.