This was my most anticipated movie of the year. And I left the cinema disappointed. Let me try to explain:
It just did not have the feeling of dread like Eggers previous movies like I was expecting . Watching Depp twist and turn and pull weird faces was awkward/OTT and unintentionally funny. Aaron Taylor was awful and felt forced-he is just not a very good actor.. this was a role made for Robert Pattinson imo. There were also a couple of time jumps- we suddenly see Orlok’a coffin on the boat? No build up nothing. How long did it take Thomas to travel from the castle to home after he escaped? He suddenly appeared? I think this movie would have worked better as a indi production..it has the look and the feel of a big budget, big studio movie which it is.
There are of course positives. It is beautifully shot, Orlok’s look was perfect and different at the same time- his voice vibrated throughout the theatre! Skarsgard smashed it. Dafoe and Hoult were great in their respective roles. The score was great. The build up leading to the castle was awesome. Full marks to the cinematography.
I was really hoping for a masterpiece. 6/10 for me. Who knows, I might find it better on second watch.