Nosferatu - A Representation of German Expressionism

Since its release in 1922, F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu has been a cornerstone of horror cinema, renowned for its pioneering use of German Expressionist techniques. As the film approaches its 103rd anniversary, and with Robert Eggers’ 2024 reimagining garnering attention, it’s an opportune moment to delve into how German Expressionism has indelibly shaped the horror genre, both in the original Nosferatu and its modern adaptation.

German Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the tumultuous socio-political climate of post-World War I Germany. Characterized by distorted sets, stark lighting contrasts, and a focus on conveying emotional and psychological turmoil, this movement sought to externalize inner fears and anxieties. Films like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) exemplified these traits, using jagged architecture and shadowy visuals to create a sense of unease.

In Nosferatu, Murnau employed these Expressionist elements to craft an atmosphere of dread. The film’s use of elongated shadows, particularly those cast by Count Orlok, and the eerie, unnatural landscapes contribute to a dream-like, unsettling experience. These stylistic choices not only heightened the horror but also influenced subsequent American horror films in the 1930s and 1940s, embedding Expressionist aesthetics into the genre’s DNA.

Fast forward to 2024, director Robert Eggers presents his rendition of Nosferatu, aiming to honor the original’s Expressionist roots while introducing contemporary sensibilities. Eggers, known for his meticulous attention to historical detail in films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, approaches Nosferatu with a blend of reverence and innovation. His adaptation maintains the gothic atmosphere through desaturated colors and pervasive fog, creating a visual continuity with Murnau’s vision.

Eggers’ film focuses on the character Ellen, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, and her eerie, erotic relationship with Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård. This narrative choice allows for a deeper exploration of psychological horror, a hallmark of Expressionist cinema. By delving into the characters’ inner worlds, Eggers captures the essence of Expressionism: portraying subjective emotions and distorted realities to evoke fear and unease.

The influence of German Expressionism extends beyond Nosferatu, permeating the horror genre for over a century. The movement’s emphasis on visual storytelling and the externalization of inner fears laid the groundwork for the genre’s evolution. Techniques such as chiaroscuro lighting, surreal set designs, and themes of madness and paranoia became staples in horror cinema, evident in films ranging from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow.

Nosferatu stands as a testament to the enduring power of German Expressionism in horror. Both Murnau’s original and Eggers’ reimagining showcase how the movement’s stylistic and thematic elements continue to captivate audiences, proving that the shadows cast by Expressionism remain as haunting today as they were over a century ago.