Robert Eggers on the Northman Directing is an Insane Job

Robert Eggers, the director of Northman, rose to fame after releasing his first two distinctive films. Because of Eggers’ distinctive vision for these films, The Witch and The Lighthouse stand out from many other horror movies.

Director Robert Eggers has long been synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and atmospheric storytelling. With his project “The Northman,” the buzz was palpable. Here, we delve deep into Eggers’ journey, the controversies surrounding the film, and his dedication to the director’s chair.

True of Eggers

The same is true of Eggers’ most recent movie, The Northman, but he did experience a little more studio interference.

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Because Eggers’ work frequently deviates from what a major studio would prefer, he thinks his approach to filmmaking is very different from the way a Marvel movie is produced.

It’s Robert Eggers’ First Film Without A24, “The Northman.”

A24 has developed a reputation for releasing independent, artistic horror films. These horror films typically receive positive reviews from critics but receive a mixed response from viewers.

The Witch and The Lighthouse, Eggers’ first two motion pictures, were produced by A24. The budget is significantly smaller as a result, but Eggers has more creative leeway. The Northman, Eggers’ debut film, has a pricey $90 million budget.

Focus Features is handling domestic distribution of the movie while Universal Pictures is handling global distribution. Eggers acknowledged that he wouldn’t receive “final cut” this time in an interview with The Playlist, but he was willing to take the chance in order to have complete creative control over The Northman.

When I submitted the script to the studio, Eggers admitted, “I knew I wouldn’t have the final cut on this movie.”

And I was prepared to take that risk. The studio took a big chance by allowing someone who had made two sensational arthouse films to direct a massive Viking epic on a single camera with all of his department heads.

The Director Doesn’t think He Would make a Good Addition to a Marvel Film.

According to Eggers, The Playlist, he has so far produced all of his own films. Although The Northman may have undergone some studio editing or changes, it is still uniquely Eggers.

The director claims that although he has been approached to direct other projects, he doesn’t think his style would fit these projects well. A major blockbuster like a Marvel film would fall under this category.

Directing: Not for the Faint of Heart

“Directing is an insane job,” Eggers once mentioned in an interview. The sheer responsibility of bringing a vision to life, especially in films that demand historical precision like “The Northman,” can be overwhelming. Every minute detail, from set design to the emotions in an actor’s eyes, rests on the director’s shoulders.

The Allure of “The Northman”

Eggers’ fascination with historical epochs and dark tales paved the way for “The Northman.” Drawing inspiration from Nordic legends and sagas, Eggers sought to create an epic that melded history with cinematic artistry.

His commitment to authenticity, as seen in his previous works, was evident throughout the film’s production.

Eggers’ Next Venture: “Nosferatu”

Post “The Northman,” whispers about Eggers tackling the iconic “Nosferatu” started circulating. While not confirmed at the time of this article, fans eagerly anticipate what his touch might bring to such a renowned classic.

From Film Buff to Renowned Director

Eggers’ ascent to the director’s chair is an inspiring tale for cinema enthusiasts. Initially captivated by the world of theater, Eggers transitioned to film, where his passion for detailed storytelling and atmospheric set-pieces quickly set him apart.

His breakthrough film, “The Witch,” cemented his place as a director to watch.

Historical Precision in “The Northman”

While “The Northman” is a work of fiction, Eggers’ commitment to historical accuracy was paramount. Delving into ancient texts and collaborating with historians, the director ensured that the film, while dramatized, had roots in genuine Nordic traditions and lore.

Why Some Didn’t Warm Up to The Northman

While many movies find themselves both champions and critics, The Northman seemed to polarize its viewers unusually starkly. Several factors contributed to this:

1. Expectation vs. Reality: Given the pre-release hype, many expected a purely historical portrayal of Viking life. When the film blended myth with history, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of mead.
2. Narrative Pacing: Some critics pointed out that the storyline was uneven. Moments of intense action were juxtaposed with prolonged, contemplative scenes, which didn’t resonate with everyone.
3. Character Development: A few central characters lacked depth or evolution, leading some viewers to feel disconnected from their journeys.

Missteps or Misunderstood: The Northman’s Choices

Every director takes creative liberties, and in The Northman, these choices were both its strength and its Achilles heel.

1. Historical Accuracy vs. Artistic License: While the film captured the aesthetics of the Viking era, certain events and character arcs were fictionalized or dramatized. For history purists, this was a point of contention.
2. Symbolism Over Substance: The movie often used visual metaphors and allegories, sometimes at the expense of clear storytelling. While some lauded this as high art, others found it obfuscating.

The Mother-Son Kiss: Contextualizing the Controversy

One of the most talked-about scenes in The Northman was the unexpected kiss between the protagonist and his mother. This moment, steeped in shock value, was divisive among viewers.

• Symbolic Undertones: The kiss wasn’t just for shock value. It symbolized the blurred lines between love, loyalty, and betrayal in a world where survival often came at a personal cost.
• A Cultural Perspective: While modern audiences might find such a portrayal jarring, it’s essential to remember that Viking sagas are filled with complex relationships and moral ambiguities. The film may have used this scene to echo those complexities.

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Conclusion

I’ve only produced my own work, Eggers admitted. “I am aware of how fortunate I am to be there. People have brought things to me. We went into this knowing it was a Robert Eggers movie and everything that entails, even though I didn’t have access to the final cut.

I fail to see how that would help a film in which I’m a director-for-hire. Making a Marvel movie is incompatible with everything I’m doing. The Northman was, undeniably, a bold cinematic endeavor.

Whether one sees its choices as missteps or masterstrokes is subjective. What’s undeniable is that it sparked conversations, made viewers think, and carved a niche for itself in the annals of movie history. Future viewers and critics will perhaps judge it more for its artistic bravery than its controversies.