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Was Wisborg influenced by actual German cities?
The fictional setting of Wisborg is an amalgamation of various real towns, with Lübeck serving as the primary inspiration. The extensive vistas of Wisborg showcase numerous architectural elements taken from Lübeck, including its distinctive spired church, notable gates, and numerous residential structures, all of which were digitally scanned for incorporation into the film. While conducting research, the creators explored a range of Hanseatic towns along Germany’s Baltic coast, many of which offered captivating visuals. However, the challenge lay in the fact that these towns had undergone extensive destruction and reconstruction over the years. Consequently, many of the historic areas are now polished for tourism, which limited their availability for the film’s needs.
Were real rats used in the plague sequences?
For the plague scenes, approximately 5,000 real rats were utilized in the production. These rats were filmed in the streets of Wisborg, though careful techniques ensured that they remained safely contained. Plexiglass barriers were strategically placed to keep the rats in designated areas, protecting nearby horses that were also part of the scene. Visual effects were employed to eliminate the edges of these barriers. In certain scenes, a blend of real rats and CGI was applied; live rats populated the foreground while “rat mats,” designed to resemble clusters of rats, were created for the background. This innovative approach allowed the filmmakers to give the illusion of an overwhelming rat population, despite the actual numbers.
In a nod to the original film, Depp’s character, Hutter, is seen sharing a moment with Anna Harding (Emma Corrin) against a backdrop inspired by a scene featuring crosses that commemorate individuals lost at sea.
Did the design draw inspiration from the original Nosferatu or earlier Dracula adaptations?
The narrative of this project inherently draws from earlier vampire lore, including both Nosferatu and Dracula, as the story unfolds from those traditional tales. However, the design did not replicate elements directly. A specific scene from the 1922 version, set on a beach adorned with crosses to honor those who perished at sea, was reimagined rather than copied outright. This particular scene was filmed on a lake in the Czech Republic, where sand was brought in to craft the setting. Although there was initially a plan to film at the North Sea, budget considerations led to the decision to adapt the location instead.
Which locations in Prague or the Czech Republic influenced your designs?
A visit to a carriage museum in Čechy pod Kosířem proved to be particularly inspirational. The production team rented an exquisitely carved Roma wagon from the museum, which added to the film’s aesthetic. In Prague, the Olšany Cemetery served as a setting for the mausoleum and grave sites featured in the film. Additionally, the Old Jewish Cemetery is recommended for its striking beauty. Another point of interest was Speculum Alchemiae, a museum dedicated to alchemy, which also influenced the design of Albin Eberhart Von Franz’s apartment, played by Willem Dafoe, incorporating elements learned from these explorations.
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www.cntraveler.com