What's behind the resurgence of classic horror films like Robert Eggers' "Nosferatu" and Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein"? The answer lies in the very nature of these films themselves. Rather than being mere rehashes of old IPs, they're organic outcomes of a shared dark universe properties initiative that prioritized craft over commodity.
The problem with contemporary pop culture films is that they've become too formulaic, mimicking the decades-long release calendar rollercoaster of box-office success. But when art is reduced to a product, it loses its essence. The "Dark Universe" is a prime example - a would-be film universe that failed before it even got off the ground because it was created as a means to an end, rather than as a work of art.
In contrast, "Nosferatu" and "Frankenstein" feel like films that were made for their own sake. They're not just reimaginings of classic horror characters, but works of art that explore complex themes and emotions. Eggers' "Nosferatu" thrives on the macabre, combining gothic atmosphere with sexual repression, while del Toro's "Frankenstein" distills horror into something deeply relatable - generational trauma and the burden of ending cycles of abuse.
These films should be celebrated together, not pitted against each other in a gladiatorial "pick one" scenario. They're proof that remakes can feel inspired and moving when freed from rights-holding obligations and blockbuster logic. By embracing this approach, Hollywood can learn to treat monster movies as art instead of content - works that tap into our freak flags, unapologetically.
Films like Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Bride!" and Eggers' own "Werwulf" promise to carry this momentum forward, treating monster movies as more than just numbers ticking upward. They're reminders that films should be allowed to be films - works that let the freak flag fly and remind us why pop culture films matter.
Ultimately, it comes down to a fundamental shift in how Hollywood approaches its most beloved IPs. Rather than churning out cookie-cutter content, they should prioritize creativity and artistry over commercial success. By doing so, we can have it all - inspiring works of horror that resonate with audiences, while also pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen.
The problem with contemporary pop culture films is that they've become too formulaic, mimicking the decades-long release calendar rollercoaster of box-office success. But when art is reduced to a product, it loses its essence. The "Dark Universe" is a prime example - a would-be film universe that failed before it even got off the ground because it was created as a means to an end, rather than as a work of art.
In contrast, "Nosferatu" and "Frankenstein" feel like films that were made for their own sake. They're not just reimaginings of classic horror characters, but works of art that explore complex themes and emotions. Eggers' "Nosferatu" thrives on the macabre, combining gothic atmosphere with sexual repression, while del Toro's "Frankenstein" distills horror into something deeply relatable - generational trauma and the burden of ending cycles of abuse.
These films should be celebrated together, not pitted against each other in a gladiatorial "pick one" scenario. They're proof that remakes can feel inspired and moving when freed from rights-holding obligations and blockbuster logic. By embracing this approach, Hollywood can learn to treat monster movies as art instead of content - works that tap into our freak flags, unapologetically.
Films like Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Bride!" and Eggers' own "Werwulf" promise to carry this momentum forward, treating monster movies as more than just numbers ticking upward. They're reminders that films should be allowed to be films - works that let the freak flag fly and remind us why pop culture films matter.
Ultimately, it comes down to a fundamental shift in how Hollywood approaches its most beloved IPs. Rather than churning out cookie-cutter content, they should prioritize creativity and artistry over commercial success. By doing so, we can have it all - inspiring works of horror that resonate with audiences, while also pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen.