Count Orlok’s New Look in Nosferatu Introduces an Unusual Plot Hole

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for the 2024 film Nosferatu.

In the highly anticipated 2024 remake of Nosferatu, director Robert Eggers ingeniously intertwines various threads of vampire lore sourced from distinct cultures and legends. While paying homage to the classic silent horror film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) directed by F.W. Murnau, Eggers introduces a fresh interpretation of Count Orlok that diverges significantly from previous portrayals. This retelling also enriches the narrative with elements from Bram Stoker’s original novel and new characteristics that enhance the overall experience. One notable difference lies in the film’s unconventional ending, which takes viewers by surprise.

Perhaps the most striking alteration is the visual representation of Count Orlok, notably portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. While Skarsgård’s Orlok retains some features akin to Max Schreck’s original character—such as elongated nails and slim fingers—he adds a unique twist by donning a fur hat not seen in earlier adaptations. Furthermore, Eggers has given Orlok a prominent mustache, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion among audiences. In a defense of this creative choice, Eggers explained in an interview with Variety that mustaches were culturally significant in men’s fashion during the film’s period, suggesting there was no reason for Orlok to lack one.

Count Orlok’s Mustache: An Inconsistent Detail

Mirrors are Absent from Orlok’s Castle, Yet His Mustache Remains Flawless

While Eggers has historical context to support his creative choices, he playfully challenged skeptics to find a Transylvanian of suitable age who could grow a mustache without one. However, the portrayal of Orlok as a vampire complicates this claim, particularly since it raises questions about how he achieves and maintains such a well-groomed mustache in a setting devoid of reflective surfaces. Although Eggers’ depiction doesn’t position vampires as generally opposed to mirrors, the film itself contradicts this notion early on.

In a key scene, the absence of mirrors becomes evident as Orlok’s castle is depicted with none, echoing a crucial detail from Stoker’s original Dracula. Additionally, when Thomas Hutter attempts to use his shaving glass, it shatters dramatically. This reinforces the notion that, akin to traditional vampire lore, Orlok should logically be incapable of maintaining his mustache. Even if the film has garnered favorable reviews despite this inconsistency, it is undeniably a narrative challenge, albeit one that could be attributed to Orlok’s wide array of supernatural abilities.

The Mustache: A Quirk of the Supernatural

Orlok’s Supernatural Powers Could Extend to Grooming

Beyond merely being a stylistic choice reflective of the time period, Orlok’s mustache could represent an unconventional extension of his supernatural abilities. In the film, Orlok is portrayed as a harbinger of plague, possessing the capacity to dominate individuals like Herr Knock and Ellen, even from afar. His superhuman strength and apparent immortality suggest that he might also wield unique powers for personal grooming, including the ability to shave without relying on mirrors. Consequently, while the mustache/mirror conundrum may initially appear to be a plot inconsistency, it could merely be an illustration of the extraordinary capabilities that define the character of Count Orlok.

Source: Variety

Source & Images