In one of the warmest moments duringRobert EggersNosferatu, a kindly professor inquires about the ownership of a cat.
The feline in question is keeping company with a woman cursed by a vampires attention.
She has no master or mistress, young Ellen Hutter smiles.
One suspects cinematographer Jarin Blaschke can relate.
[And when she gets there], Im like, Oh sorry, theyre announcing the Academy Awards.
And shes like, Okay.Anyway, wheres the cat litter?
Sure enough the Best Cinematography categorys announcement came and went while Blaschkes had his head turned half away.
Well done you, the cat sitter even acknowledged.
Anyway, wheres the cat litter?
It just feels much fuller.
Says Blaschke, It feels much richer being there with three other collaborators.
Still, he adds it would have been nice to see their director on that stage too.
That best work goes back a long time between Blaschke and Eggers.
What DP doesnt like some patina?
Within that realm our tastes overlap a lot.
Theres just a huge sharing of taste.
[On]The Lighthouse,were being very specific with the photography, he says.
When Im working with Rob, my brain just goes into Rob composition mode, the DP explains.
So even if its a frame that I might find, Im filtering it through the Rob filter.
It also allowed Blaschke and Eggers to keep their feet firmly planted in their naturalistic preferences.
Candles, on the other hand?
Well just add candles, well multiply more candles, and well get a light level that way.
It all shows up on 35mm celluloid, creating a rich, ghostly effect.
With that said, sometimes the old ways are the best at creating a lush romantic aesthetic.
Furthermore, Blaschke insisted on having the motor-mirror be able to turn.
Few might notice, but as Blaschke muses about another fancy trick inNosferatu, I like to have fun.
You know, going upside down during sex scenes and all kinds of stuff, especially in heightened scenes.
Whether you notice or not, his perfectionism is transportative and worthy of a storybook.
Perhaps an Oscar as well.
Nosferatu is available now for digital rental or purchase.
It will be released on Blu-ray and 4K home media on Feb. 18.
