Nosferatu - a film critique

“Professor, my dreams grow darker. Does evil come from within us, or from beyond”? - Ellen Hutter

Part 1: A Gothic Horror Aesthetic with Flaws

Nosferatu isn’t groundbreaking in its story, but the way it’s told is distinct. The gothic visuals provide an unsettling tone that perfectly complements the horror genre. However, there are moments where the overly dramatic acting and sound design verge on melodrama, almost making it feel like a Hollywood spectacle rather than the unique gothic horror film it aspires to be.

Lily-Rose Depp and Willem Dafoe deliver performances that stand out, balancing the melodramatic moments with genuine intensity. Unfortunately, while the film gets its visuals and atmosphere right, the costume design—likely beautiful and intricate—gets lost in the shadows. The dim, desaturated lighting often obscures the finer details of the costumes, which feels like a missed opportunity to fully immerse the audience in the gothic period.

Part 2: The Cinematography—A Visual Feast of Light and Shadow

What truly elevates Nosferatu is its cinematography. The film takes a refreshingly unique approach to moonlight, portraying it in a subdued and desaturated tone that contrasts with Hollywood’s overly romanticized depictions. We’ve seen moonlight in films forever, but this feels different—raw and cold, almost tangible. The overall lighting approach is minimalist according to cinematographer Jarin, with some scenes even lit using only fire and candles. It proves that great cinematography doesn’t need an overload of Hollywood lights, though the high-budget production did support the vision in other ways, I am sure. The movie was shot on film, which is fascinating. I was just wondering if we might see a resurgence of film, similar to what’s happening in fashion photography—and then this pops up. While I’m not sure there will ever be a full comeback, we could be seeing a trend toward more movies being shot on film.

Part 3: Exploring the Psychological Themes

Nosferatu goes beyond traditional horror tropes by delving into complex psychological themes. The film examines obsession and control. Ellen, the female protagonist, represents both strength and vulnerability, a duality explored through her femininity and its power to influence those around her. Since Nosferatu is a gothic horror romance, the film delves into Ellen's enigmatic pull towards Nosferatu. This connection leaves her grappling with shame, yet it carries a subtle romantic undertone. I’d describe it as a gothic and dark love triangle.

The story attempts to present a feminist narrative by revealing the reality of how women have historically been viewed—as objects of desire, manipulation, and, at times, cunning survivalists. Ellen’s character is especially intriguing, as she not only becomes the subject of the vampire’s obsession but also manipulates him in return. Her cleverness and ability to fool the vampire reveal a subversive commentary on gender dynamics, suggesting how lust and desire can blind men and render them vulnerable to their own weaknesses.

Part 4: Melancholy and the Depths of Depression

At its core, Nosferatu is a melancholic tale, touching on themes of loneliness, trauma, and depression. Ellen’s character embodies these struggles, hinting at unexplored emotions and desires that society deemed inappropriate for women of her time. The film also critiques how women were “treated” for their perceived darkness, often through suppression, medication or isolation.