Why Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe Reunited for ‘Nosferatu’

On December 25, 2024By Littum

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he will often jump at the chance to do it again.

The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked more than once is extensive, e.g Wes Andersen,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and now for the third time, Robert Eggers. “If it’s good, come back,” Dafoe pointedly said.

The couple spoke to The Associated Press about Eggers’ adaptation of “Nosferatu,” which opens in theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced. “The Lighthouse” — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.

The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

AP: Willem, I read that you called Robert after you saw “The witch.” What did you say?

DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.

AP: What is it about him that keeps bringing you back?

DAFO: Well, if it’s good, you’ll be back. When I saw “The Witch”, I thought: “Wow, it’s a movie about a period that I’m not very knowledgeable about, but I get into it so easily. This is relevant. It’s rooted. It’s my story. I’m with these people.”

It’s quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they always point to themselves. They always send messages. They always show up. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I was like, “Who’s doing this? I’ve got to see this guy.” And then I had a wonderful experience in “The Lighthouse” and I played a role that was really fun “The Norwegian.” So when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say, “Of course.”

AP: Robert, did you always imagine Willem for that role?

EGGERS: Yeah, I mean, I don’t see how you could have anyone but Willem Dafoe in this role.

AP: Did you have a favorite role of his before the two of you worked together?

EGGERS: It’s pretty tough. But since you might be asking, I love “Shadow of the Vampire” where he plays Max Schreck. When I first saw “Nosferatu” as a 9-year-old, the VHS I had was made from a degraded 16-millimeter print, and there was a kind of magic about it because it felt excavated from the past, and it felt like, genuine. And when you watch the restored versions of “Nosferatu,” you can see Max Schreck’s bald cap and the greasepaint of his makeup. But in the version I saw, he seemed like a real vampire, and that’s how many people experienced “Nosferatu.” And then there was a legend that Max Schreck was a real vampire. And that’s why Willem Dafoe plays Max Schreck as a real vampire in “Shadow of the Vampire”. And that is an incredible achievement.

AP: We have this notion of instant connections, be it friendships or romantic relationships. Does it even exist between directors and actors? Or does it always take time to build trust?

EGGERS: It takes time to build trust. But that instinct for me was actually the first encounter. I was kind of impressed that one of my heroes would meet with me. But then the conversation became really easy, quickly. And now I kind of know when I’m going to have a meeting with an actor, if it goes like that, there’s a good thing here, you know? And if I pay close attention to like their celebrity and it becomes like a thing, it’s not going to go well.

DAFOE: We had a lot in common. There was a language he spoke of performing, of creating things. I understood that. I was like, “I’m home,” you know? And when it comes to trust, there are always unforeseen challenges and difficulties. And then you see how they line them up, and that’s how you build trust. So clearly, something like “The Lighthouse” had its challenges. Thank God. I love a challenge. Otherwise you tend to, you know, get lost or think too much outside the box. And look, he’s a sweet, sweet guy, but he’s really focused. And I like that. That kind of discipline, that kind of passion. It makes my work that I do valuable, because then I will do His bidding. I want to, you know, be an extension of him.

AP: Do any specific challenges from “The Lighthouse” come to mind?

(Both laugh)

DAFOE: I’d say a scene where I’m buried alive, I speak poetic language, and it’s really cold, cold, cold. But you know what? All those elements I love because they push me to a place I’ve never been before. And it’s not just about overcoming obstacles. It’s really about getting out of yourself and getting beyond your experience and making something happen to you that is meaningful and curious and that gives rise to a sense of wonder. This is what you are looking for. So sometimes you have to push it. And he is responsible. It’s not like he’s hitting me or anything. But it is a good example of something that is hard.

AP: Robert, it annoys you as much as it annoys me that Willem has not an Oscar?

EGGERS: Yes. I mean, I think Willem isn’t in the Oscars, but he definitely deserves one.