Nosferatus The remake’s writer and director Robert Eggers explains his decision not to film at Transylvania’s notorious Bran Castle, the place famously associated with the real-life Vlad the Impaler. Based on the original silent film made in 1929 by FW Murnau, the new Nosferatus will follow an ancient vampire from Transylvania as he stalks a young girl in 19th century Germany. Instead opting to film at Bran Castle. Eggers chose Hunedoara/Corvin Castlelocated in Hunedoara, Romania.
According to Vanity FairEggers selected Hunedoara Castle because of its architectural complexity and its historical ties to Transylvanian traditiona fitting tribute to the mysterious beauty that inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Bran Castle, aptly recognized as Dracula’s Castle, is often the popular choice for vampire films; however, Eggers believes Hunedoara Castle gets a closer look at the ruined and haunting structure what he imagines. Eggers also incorporated other locations throughout Europe, such as using a Czechoslovak castle for courtyard scenes and building sets for interior scenes. Check out Eggers’ explanation below:
The castle has many different names. Everything in Transylvania has at least three names after the Saxons, Hungarians and ethnic Romanians. But it is [usually called] Hunedoara Castle or Corvin Castle. My belief—I have some proof, but someone could prove me wrong—was that Bram Stoker would have seen an engraving of that castle in Emily Gerard’s painting. [1890] book about Transylvania, when the towers were collapsing and crumbling. And I think that was actually his model for Castle Dracula, rather than Bran Castle, which was [the real-life] Dracula’s real castle. This was the exterior of our castle. We built the interiors, and the courtyard was a castle in the Czech Republic, but the facade is in Transylvania.
What this means for the Nosferatu remake
Eggers is connecting his remake to the material’s history
Eggers’ decision to film Nosferatus at Hunedoara Castle over the better-known Bran Castle emphasizes its dedication to remodeling Nosferatus with an updated gothic vision rooted in imagination. Known for his meticulous work on The Witch and The Lighthouse, Eggers values ​​the historical settings that add to the sense of immersion in these films. By choosing Hunedoara over Bran and combining this location with other locations, he intends to land Nosferatus in a way that recognizes Transylvania’s rich history, resonating with the material that came before it.
Furthermore, this decision also positions Eggers Nosferatus as a departure from typical Dracula lore, redirecting audiences to lesser-known influences behind Stoker’s novel. By focusing on Hunedoara Castle along with the elaborate architecturally inspired sets, Eggers cultivates a chilling and intricate setting that aims to distinguish his adaptation. This carefully adapted scenario can increase Nosferatushaunting appeal to a modern audience.
Our Take on Eggers’ Unique Vision for Nosferatu
Eggers is creating a timeless yet fresh world
Robert Eggers’ decision to forgo the iconic Bran Castle in favor of Hunedoara Castle reveals a bold move toward a more nuanced setting. This highlights Egger’s commitment to reimagining Nosferatus in a way that pays homage to the original film – as well as paying homage to its gothic roots – while ensuring it will relate to today’s viewers and cinema styles. By selecting these filming locations with deep ties to Transylvanian history, Eggers could create a world that feels timeless yet fresh, providing audiences with an evocative experience. That could do Nosferatus perhaps one of the most visually interesting films of the year.
Source: Vanity Fair