Chris Columbus, the legendary director behind Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, has some high praise for Robert Eggers, the visionary behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman. In a recent interview, Columbus went as far as to compare Eggers to Stanley Kubrick, calling him “the next Stanley Kubrick.” This endorsement is significant given Columbus’ vast experience in the industry and his ability to recognize filmmaking talent.
Eggers is currently working on a highly anticipated remake of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 classic Nosferatu, which Columbus is producing. Columbus praised Eggers’ meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of film history. This isn’t the first time Columbus has made such lofty comparisons, having previously described Eggers’ work as “a masterpiece,” comparing it to the iconic The Shining. While one might assume this is just a producer boosting his own project, it seems there’s some substance behind Columbus’ words. Early critical reviews for Nosferatu have been overwhelmingly positive, with the film holding a stellar 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it one of the best horror films in years.
Eggers’ Nosferatu remake isn’t his first triumph, as his previous films, like The Lighthouse and The Witch, earned widespread acclaim for their originality and craftsmanship. The long-anticipated remake of Nosferatu, which has been in the works since 2015, has added buzz, especially given Eggers’ pedigree and the decade-long process to bring the project to life.
Eggers himself has admitted that he’s grateful for the time it took to make the film, noting that his previous experiences, including The Northman, helped shape his approach to Nosferatu. The project has garnered attention not only for its historical significance but also for its potential to elevate Eggers to the level of filmmaking greats like Kubrick.
With Nosferatu earning rave reviews and Eggers’ growing reputation as a director, the comparison to Kubrick may be more than just hyperbole. As long as Eggers avoids remaking Eyes Wide Shut, it seems like the director could be on the verge of becoming one of cinema’s most respected and innovative filmmakers.