Coming off the success of his small butcareer-defining first featureThief,Michael Mannwas off to the races with a high-conceptsupernatural horror period film,The Keep. Mann’s unique talent was abundantly clear, but he had yet to work with a large scale budget and all the risks, roadblocks, and expectations that come with it.David White, who would go on to become one of the most seasoned and spectacular make-up effects artists in the business, was also just starting out and had a front row seat to the problem-laden proceedings, “The production was very British, which [Michael Mann] was kind of fighting against. [There was] a bit of a George Lucas /Star Warsthing going on there.”
Mann is known to audiences today as being dedicated to the details, in much the same way that Robert Eggers is, whom White collaborated with onNosferatu. This was beforethe Michael Mann of today: “He was a little nervous at that time,” added White, who was recently nominated for an Oscar (for the third time) for his work onNosferatu. In some ways,The Keepfeels like it could be the perfect Eggers project if he attempts another remake — it’s a historical supernatural horror, perhaps a poor fit for 1983 but perfectly at home with modern horror fans.
The Keepis known for being a classic example of biting off more than one can chew. With a very complex concept at its core, the film struggled to find an audience, but eventually became a cult classic. Mann’s further development into the writer/director/producer tour de force we know today was close on the horizon and, despite the issues he may have faced on the set, White felt the crew was certainly up to the challenges. “[Mann] had a wonderful [crew]. He had John Box as the production designer. He had wonderful light and camera guys. He had good people around him.” White continued:
It was a strange film. It’s very dark. And it felt really dark and depressing that movie. Strangely enough, this movie [Nosferatu] is the opposite in the sense that it’s got a vibe to it and a sort of hipness to it that is really cool and inspiring. So they’re quite different animals.
‘Nosferatu’ Director Robert Eggers Teases a Western as One of His Dream Projects
While discussing ‘Nosferatu’s home release, Eggers also revealed his favorite horror movie of all time.
The Devil Is in the Details
Nosferatuis a movie that rests so much of its weight on the intense research Robert Eggers conducts with his team, and like Mann, he leaves as little as possible to chance. “Robert Eggers is a visionary. There’s no doubt,” said White. “His historical knowledge — he digs right into the folklore and the traditions of the time.” White not only thrives alongside Eggers but feels the director’s entire approach helps move the film, and team, towards the desired outcome:
It’s infectious. His kind of vision and his energy is infectious, and it just makes you want to do your best whatever the situation. He’s got quite a spell on people in that way, and it’s fabulous.
Nosferatuis available to rent or buy on digital platforms such as Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.Nosferatucomes to 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 18. If you buy on Apple TV, you can access the extended cut and get a variety of special features, including the following:
