Stacy Thunes’ involvement in Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated Nosferatu remake marks a significant milestone in her career. As the film, slated for release in 2024, seeks to reimagine the iconic 1922 German classic, Thunes brings her talent, insight, and unique approach to acting to a role in a movie deeply rooted in gothic horror and rich historical context. In this article, we explore Thunes’ journey to Nosferatu, her experiences on set, and her perspective on performance, all while delving into her career as a writer and her personal style.
Stacy Thunes: A Natural Fit for Nosferatu
From Audition to Role: Stacy’s Path to Nosferatu
Stacy Thunes’ entry into Nosferatu began through an audition process shaped by the film’s location and production needs. Filming partly took place in Prague, and the casting team was focused on finding an actor of Thunes’ age and gender who lived relatively close to the city. After her agent submitted her profile, Thunes found herself submitting a self-taped audition—standard practice following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite receiving only a brief segment of the script, with a single line of dialogue, Thunes approached the audition with creative instincts that impressed the casting team. By following her daughter’s suggestion to focus on the emotional reactions in her performance, Thunes was able to deliver a powerful audition. Her preparation, including an improvised English accent, eventually earned her the part in what would become one of the most talked-about films of 2024.
Filming Nosferatu: A Learning Experience
Thunes describes her experience on the Nosferatu set as one of the most engaging and educational of her career. Robert Eggers, known for his meticulous attention to detail and an insistence on multiple takes to achieve perfection, provided an environment where Thunes felt free to explore her role. This approach allowed the actor to refine her performance in response to Eggers’ direction, and it became clear that his process was one that encouraged actors to bring their best work to the table.
For Thunes, this approach was incredibly satisfying. “I loved that about the experience,” she shared, emphasizing the creative freedom she enjoyed under Eggers’ direction. This atmosphere of careful collaboration and attention to detail allowed the actors to contribute meaningfully to the film’s final aesthetic.
A Welcoming and Collaborative Environment
Thunes reflects fondly on her interactions with the Nosferatu cast and crew. With only three shooting days, she spent significant time with key actors and members of the production team. What stands out in her recollections is the warmth, kindness, and collaborative spirit that defined the environment on set. Every individual, from her fellow actors to the crew, made her feel welcome and comfortable. The camaraderie among the cast and crew was palpable, and Thunes would readily return to such an enriching work atmosphere.
The Power of Facial Expression in Acting
Facial Expressions: The Key to Emotional Depth
A standout aspect of Thunes’ performance in Nosferatu is her ability to convey powerful emotions through her facial expressions. When asked about the importance of this technique, she explained that the most crucial element in delivering an impactful performance was what she envisioned in her mind. By immersing herself in the character’s world, Thunes is able to transport both herself and the audience into the time and situation of the role. This mental connection makes it easier for her to convey mood, emotion, and intent through subtle facial expressions.
“The costume makes the character!” Thunes adds, revealing how the right outfit can empower an actor to fully inhabit their role. With detailed, handcrafted costumes designed by Linda Muir, Thunes felt a deep connection to her character as the Head Nurse in the film. The period piece setting, combined with the authentic costumes, allowed her to further immerse herself in the world of Nosferatu, enhancing the emotional complexity of her performance.
A Career Defined by Passion for Complex Roles
From The Cherry Orchard to Nosferatu: Exploring Human Nature
Thunes has always gravitated toward roles that explore the depths of human nature, particularly characters who are flawed or broken. One such role was Madame Ranevskaya in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. For Thunes, the role was both a dream come true and an opportunity to explore the intricacies of human vulnerability. “Chekhov is a fabulous writer of human nature,” she shared. Madame Ranevskaya’s stoic, yet broken, character offered Thunes a deep dive into portraying complex, multi-dimensional figures—something she cherishes as an actor.
These roles that examine human fragility resonate deeply with Thunes, and she notes that she enjoys the challenge of playing characters with contrasting strengths and weaknesses.
A Writer’s Journey: Creating Meaningful Characters
In addition to her work as an actor, Thunes is an accomplished writer. She is currently working on a comedy screenplay about a woman in her 60s trying to break into Hollywood after a long hiatus from acting. This personal connection to the character is not only a reflection of Thunes’ own experiences but also a comment on the challenges faced by older actresses in the industry. Writing allows Thunes to explore these themes in greater depth and create characters with whom she feels a strong bond.
Sustainability and Personal Style: Thunes’ Approach to Fashion
The Role of Costumes in Shaping Character
Costumes play a crucial role in Thunes’ approach to acting. She emphasizes that when an actor dons their character’s outfit, it is as though they immediately step into the role itself. This is particularly true for period pieces like Nosferatu, where the authenticity of the costume is vital to the overall performance. Thunes recalls her experience with Linda Muir, the costume designer for Nosferatu, and how the detailed and historically accurate outfits helped her connect to her character on a deeper level.
“The costume makes the character!” she says, underscoring how costumes can provide clarity and confidence in an actor’s portrayal of their role.
Thunes’ Personal Style: Sustainable and Story-Driven
When Thunes is not on set, she embraces a sustainable approach to fashion. She enjoys shopping for secondhand clothes at charity shops, a habit she considers both environmentally responsible and personally fulfilling. For Thunes, clothing is more than just an item to wear—it’s a piece of history and a reflection of her values. A recent find, a black cashmere cardigan left in the hallway of her building, exemplifies her passion for discovering unique pieces with a story to tell.
At the Berlin world premiere of Nosferatu, Thunes wore a burgundy wrap dress that she had purchased at a flea market in Bucharest. The dress, with its rich history and distinctive style, was a perfect homage to the gothic themes of the film, blending her personal style with the spirit of Nosferatu.
Conclusion
Stacy Thunes’ performance in the 2024 remake of Nosferatu showcases her ability to transform herself into complex characters with emotional depth and authenticity. Through her dedication to the craft of acting, her collaboration with director Robert Eggers, and her personal commitment to sustainability, Thunes brings a unique perspective to the film industry.
Whether on set in Prague or shopping for secondhand clothes in her community, Thunes’ career and personal life are deeply intertwined with her passion for storytelling, nuanced characters, and the transformative power of fashion. Her role in Nosferatu will undoubtedly be a standout moment in her career, cementing her reputation as one of today’s most versatile and compelling actors.