Robert Eggers’ remake of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent classic “Nosferatu” is a labor of love, with a focus on authenticity and practicality. To achieve this, Eggers spared no detail, from six hours of makeup for Bill Skarsgård to become the iconic Count Orlok, to over 60 sets designed by Craig Lathrop.
To build the crumbling exterior of Count Orlok’s castle, Lathrop traveled to Romania and settled on Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, which perfectly fit the desired aesthetic. However, the interior was not available for use due to refurbishment, so the production team built everything on a soundstage, including Orlok’s crypt.
One of Lathrop’s favorite sets was the monastery, inspired by fresco-painted monasteries in Romania. To achieve the desired texture and imperfections, he used wall tattoos created by an Italian company. The result was a stunning visual effect that left him in awe.
The production team also worked with 5,000 live rats to create a realistic scene, where real rats were used in the foreground while CG rats were added in the background. To ensure the rodents’ safety, a plexiglass barrier was built around them, and the horses’ hooves were carefully positioned to avoid any accidents.
Eggers’ dedication to authenticity has paid off, resulting in a visually stunning remake that stays true to the horror classic’s eerie atmosphere.
Source: https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/nosferatu-live-rats-building-castle-eggers-1236256773