Bill Skarsgård has become a beloved figure in the horror community, thanks to his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the popular “It” film series. However, his recent role as Orlok in director Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” has provided him with a more immersive experience compared to playing an evil clown, according to Skarsgård himself. In the film, Orlok is depicted as an undead Romanian vampire fixated on a young German woman named Ellen Hutter, played by Lily-Rose Depp.
Skarsgård delves into the intricate details of bringing the character of Orlok to life, highlighting the various elements that contributed to his portrayal. He emphasizes the importance of voice work, voice warm-up, and thorough preparation in order to fully embody the character. To achieve the desired effect, Skarsgård collaborated with Icelandic opera singer Ásgerður Júníusdóttir to lower his voice by an octave, giving Orlok his distinctively eerie tone.
The physicality of Skarsgård’s performance is also crucial, as he explains the technical aspects of grounding his voice deep within his body to create a resonant sound. Drawing inspiration from Júníusdóttir, Skarsgård adopted techniques such as “placing the voice out of your forehead” to enhance the authenticity of Orlok’s voice.
In his pursuit of perfection, Skarsgård fine-tuned Orlok’s tone in the comfort of his own living room, where he achieved a newfound richness and vibrancy in his voice. He developed a rigorous routine involving vocal warm-ups and exercises, including Mongolian throat singing, to maintain the depth and intensity of Orlok’s voice throughout filming.
Adding another layer of complexity to his performance, Skarsgård faced the challenge of speaking Dacian, an extinct language, during scenes where Orlok communicates with Ellen through their psychic connection. Despite the linguistic hurdles, Skarsgård succeeded in infusing Orlok’s personality with depth and nuance.
One standout moment in the film occurs when Thomas, Ellen’s husband, inadvertently cuts his finger in Orlok’s presence. Skarsgård seized this opportunity to inject a sense of anticipation and menace into Orlok’s demeanor, sending director Robert Eggers a voice memo titled “Tiger growl” to convey the character’s excitement. The transition from Orlok’s signature wheeze to a low, hungry growl effectively heightens the tension of the scene, showcasing Skarsgård’s attention to detail and commitment to his craft.
Overall, Bill Skarsgård’s dedication to embodying the character of Orlok in “Nosferatu” shines through in his meticulous approach to voice work and performance. By collaborating with experts, mastering vocal techniques, and embracing the physicality of his role, Skarsgård has succeeded in creating a captivating and unforgettable portrayal of.
