HISTORY This Week

Nosferatu Rises Again (feat. Robert Eggers)

Dec 23, 2024

Robert Eggers, the visionary director behind the new Nosferatu, dives into the haunting legacy of Vlad the Impaler and how it shaped the Dracula mythos. He discusses the brutal history of medieval Romania and the psychological fears that influenced 19th-century vampire lore. Eggers reveals how he blends the supernatural with historical realism, making the blood-sucking monster feel relatable. The conversation also explores modern interpretations of vampires and the impact of historical events like cholera outbreaks on storytelling, linking past and present.

28:30

Episode guests

Robert Eggers

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Robert Eggers' adaptation of Nosferatu bridges historical realism with supernatural elements, highlighting societal fears prevalent in the 19th century.

The character of Dracula has evolved from a historical figure into a cultural icon, reshaping vampire lore through literature and film.

Deep dives

The Legacy of Vlad the Impaler

Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler, became infamous for his brutal and sadistic rule over Wallachia in the late 15th century. His penchant for severe punishments, often involving impalement, created a reign marked by terror and vengeance, particularly against the nobles responsible for his family's suffering. Even in his childhood, Vlad exhibited a disturbing fascination with execution, foreshadowing his later reputation for cruelty. His gruesome practices earned him the nickname 'Dracula,' which translates to 'son of the dragon,' and set the stage for his enduring legacy in folklore and horror.

Intro

2min

The Brutality of Vlad the Impaler

3min

The Enduring Legend of Dracula and the Evolution of Vampire Lore

3min

The Enduring Legacy of Vampires and Modern Marketing Strategies

4min

The Evolution of Vampire Mythos

8min

Exploring Folk Vampire Lore and the Mindset of 19th Century Germans

4min

Cholera, Quarantine, and Timeless Narratives: The Making of Nosferatu

2min

Exploring the Legacy of Nosferatu in Horror Cinema

2min

**For this HTW special feature, Sally interviews director Robert Eggers about his new historically inspired film, Nosferatu.**

Winter, 1476. Vlad III is a prince in Wallachia, in present-day Romania. He is a violent man, so violent that he earns the nickname "Vlad the Impaler." He also has another name that he inherited from his father: Dracula.

Dracula is constantly fighting for his crown, but today, that fight will come to an end. His headless body will be discovered in a marsh, stuck down by his enemies. But his legend will live on.

Dracula pops up in stories throughout Europe over the next few centuries, until author Bram Stoker decides to combine this legend with the latest fictional craze, vampires. His book, Dracula, becomes the king of the genre. It inspires numerous adaptations, including a silent film called Nosferatu. It's considered one of the most important horror movies in history.

Over 100 years later, director Robert Eggers has reimagined the original Nosferatu and adapted it for a modern audience. In a conversation with Eggers, we asked, how did he make a blood-sucking monster feel like a historical figure? And where do vampires fit into our lives today?

Special thanks to Robert Eggers, director of Nosferatu. We also used a great book to help research this episode, Dracula: Prince of Many Faces, by Radu Florescu and Raymond McNally.

To stay updated: historythisweekpodcast.com

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices