How Robert Eggers Made the PERFECT Viking Movie

[@SwissCheese667]

The witch Amleth encounters in the raided village isn't a norn, although she's reminiscent of one. She adresses Amleth as "slayer of my people". She is a Slav.

[@alistairclifton1286]

She also mentions that they took her eyes.

[@bongfuhrer]

I see her as a female shaman/seer, a 'volve'.

[@andrewdomzal3427]

I am relatively sure that she is Marzanna (Polish version) also called Mara, Morena, and many other names depending on the region and language. She is the goddess of winter, fate, and dreams and is often depicted wearing a crown of wheat like Bjork is in the film. I see how she could be mistaken for a Norn in this form but yes I agree she is either a Slavic goddess or a Slavic priestess of the goddess.

[@SwissCheese667]

@ Interesting. Thanks.

[@james87367]

I will NEVER forget watching this film for the first time. On a tiny screen but with really good headphones plugged in. So it sounded phenomenal. I swear the film put me in a trance. Like The Lighthouse. Exactly the same experience. I deeply resonated with The Northman. Incredible film.

[@lighthousefilms5530]

This movie blows me away every time I watch it. It's so intense

[@KillJoyJakeLovesHorror]

This does not get enough praise. So epic, triumphant and mesmerizing. 10/10

[@tomhillton4299]

10/10/10/10/10/10. Truly so underrated. This movie rocked me when I saw it in the theatre

[@lateralus614]

This was phenomenal at the theater. Went back the next day for another helping.

[@morpho5539]

I showed up for Eggers. I saw it twice in theaters.

[@SwissCheese667]

Nosfe? Thrice.

[@ayisienne7]

Same for me with Nosferatu 🩶

[@rileylallier429]

All four of Eggers films are absolute masterpieces and I love them all

[@iuliabalaie7715]

I loved this movie. The imagery, the music, the story was simply phenomenal

[@allieconzola]

11:00 I completely agree with you about the use of CGI!! It really is all about how it’s utilized. In this context, it only adds to the dreamy, surreal, mythological feel this movie has going on. Thanks for reminding me to go watch this again!

[@Alijamaru]

Eggers is probably the best director working right now with 4/4 perfect movies so far

[@NiniSuperior]

I didn't like Nosferatu that much to be honest. The rest of his movies are awesome tho

[@dominicdevore2570]

The Witch, The Northman, Nosferatu, and in the making “Werewulf” I’m a sucker for werewolf movies

[@Tejón9423]

​@@NiniSuperior i agree. Nosferatu was a bad movie imo. Terrible pacing, bad characters and just a weak story overall

[@_GeneralMechanics_]

Eggers has done so much in such a short filmography with crafting amazing period pieces that respect and exemplify the cultures being represented, no matter how brutal it was.

[@nololin82]

Saw this with my wife in theaters, absolutely loved it. Recommended it to my brother, he said it was so boring he couldn’t get all the way through it.

[@yodasmomisondrugs7959]

Lol same here, but recommended it to my mom who loves most things Viking......She made it half way through and couldn't finish it, while I watched it two nights in a row.

[@Postiepostman]

I mean its easily the worst movie from eggers, nothing special

[@whitty_guy_]

I definitely enjoyed The Northman the first time I watched it, but it wasn't my favourite. I'm not sure why, because I rewatched it recently and was blown away by it. It was like I suddenly got it. I'm not sure where this ranks for me now in Eggers' work, but as a historical epic, this easily became my favourite! Great video! It really helped put everything I've been feeling about this movie into words.

[@youngrootv]

Yeah that was the sentiment of a lot of people when this first came out. I remember seeing a lot of people call Eggers a hack because of this movie.

[@GrandMasterJawKnee]

Thank you for this review! I absolutely LOVE this movie. I’m glad I didn’t see any promo before experiencing this epic.

[@kgmpers]

“They feel the way these epics and stories were imagined by storytellers of that time” (paraphrased) Thank you for mentioning this. I’ve seen other people talk about the fantastical elements in a “what is real/not real” way. I think that kind of reading sort of misses the point. Like you say this is a viking epic as understood to that culture given form in modern cinema. I don’t know if this is Egger’s intention but his attention to historical detail I think helps create a bridge between our worldview and culture of today with these stories from different cultures from the past.

[@levischorpioen]

That's what The VVitch was as well, "A New England Folk Tale". I think a lot of people inflate and conflate Eggers' "historical accuracy" schtick and take it to mean that all of his tales are as they would've happened. Nothing can be further from the truth. His tales are just that, tales. They are portrayed as the people within them would tell them. The VVitch is a cautionary tale about witchcraft as it would've been told in that time to keep women and children in check. The Lighthouse is a tale about wickies losing their minds as it would've been told by wickies. The Northman is a Viking tale about Vikings as told by...well...Vikings. Eggers' tales are urban legends throughout time.

[@Infinity_Coda]

Oh I've been waiting for this one. I've been into Norse/Viking Age history and culture for awhile and absolutely loved this movie, very glad you decided to cover it!

[@MsAbcdemily]

Me at the end of every Eggers movie: “Hell yeah.”

[@erikschwartz1214]

Saying the Northman isn't "Egger's enough" is like someone saying at the time of release 2001: A Space Odyssey isn't Kubrick enough

[@MJGianesello]

Really? 'Cause there's barely anything of what made lighthouse and the witch so good in the northman, other than very superficial elements

[@dpounder101]

@@MJGianesello tell me you're an idiot who thinks they're smart without actually saying it...

[@dpounder101]

@@MJGianesello en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning-Kruger_effect

[@MJGianesello]

@@dpounder101 am i supposed to dignify that or...?

[@dpounder101]

@ lmao

[@oberlurch-handimations8628]

16:22 details like these make me enjoy Eggers movies even more. It's not just the fact that they're excellent movies, but there is so much love and genuine care behind them. I just like watching movies where I know the people behind it had a great time as well. Because i feel like, you can also see it in the quality of the movie.

[@sammosley1397]

Sae this one in theaters 3 times, fantastic film. Eggers just doesn't miss.

[@bryanrhodes369]

Callbacks to John Milius' 1984 treatment of Conan the Barbarian at.the beginning are unmissable and what make these two films a perfect double feature.

[@Roldycasual]

Glad you covered this!

[@filippocaffi8477]

Finally someone recognizing this phenomenal film. Saw it at the movie theater and it was mesmerizing, beautiful photography and music. Never boring and the actors were out of this world. Loved it so much I watched it three more times. 10/10 movie and 10/10 review

[@greyworld6242]

This movie is our TRUE live action lion king!!! I really want eggers to make the epic of Gilgamesh move in and I definitely want him to make a three part trilogy of Aegon’s conquest in a song of ice and fire’s story from fire and blood. Imagine seeing Alexander Skarsgard playing the conqueror with balerion the black dread and see the burning harrenhal In dragon fire. And for Gilgamesh seeing the first hero in literature on the big screen would be fantastic!

[@TristanGoingNorth]

loved! Loved! LOVED! this movie. It led me on a journey for other viking/nordic movies and series

[@justiceflynn6297]

Your videos enhance terrific films!!

[@ebl7610]

Really fell in love with the movie the second time I watched. So much went over my head the first time. It’s an amazing movie

[@nickymo]

I love your earnestly passionate vibe. I’m so over the typical sarcastic presentation associated with movie youtube channels.

[@shthouserat]

so good. saw it 6 or 7 times in the theater(membership for free movies and a lot of time on my hands). never got old, but despite owning it i haven't watched it since lol

[@timkau7]

is it ok that i hit the "Like" button before this Northman Rocklin Graves video started?

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

Finally got around to seeing this one and man, what a movie. Watching it in a room with a crackling fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate felt perfect. Still sad I missed the chance to see it on the big screen

[@CrimsonNinroot]

You're writing makes your videos engaging and easy to learn from. Detailed, well pronounced and generally not too wordy with a decent pace. 👏 👏

[@ekats81]

Rewatched the other day. It is a great film

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

It`s a great film mate. Closest to what the vikings were really like in all the films and series i`ve seen

[@eddiemcgrath8536]

..including Nicole Kidman? I like her but she drew me out of the story every time she appeared in her spotless dress and beauty.

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

@@eddiemcgrath8536 I think our Nicole did the best performance mate

[@KHOiloveromeo]

@@eddiemcgrath8536Vikings were known for being more hygienic and taking pride in their appearances compared their counterparts in mainland Europe and Britain

[@sillyvance2202]

Your content never fails at providing interesting details to a film that leaves me more enchanted than I already was with cinema 💫 I adore your channel ❤

[@dannymarksberry1156]

One of my all time favorite movies and my favorite Eggers film. Absolutely epic

[@darktower0603]

Great breakdown and analysis as always. Thanks man!

[@CeceScissorhands]

I clicked so fast as soon as I saw this coming home from work lol … I loved this film so much and reallyyyyy love Robert Eggers 🤩

[@aranjackson259]

Thank you for your insightful review. I’ll go back for a rewatch with a better understanding of the film

[@ilirlluka6789]

You should read the life story of Olga of Kiev, one of the most badass / ruthless female leader figures who lived in the times the film is set in, in fact the initial raid takes place in the same territories. Edgers might have based Olga's character on the real historical Olga or maybe he is setting up their daughter the future Maiden King to be Olga of Kiev (though they do not name her yet in the film). Maybe he read somewhere about her life and even if not directly, got inspired to create Olga's character. The real life Olga is even more badass and her life story is in fact a story of brutal vengeance, as she cunningly takes a bloody revenge on the people who slain her husband Prince Igor of Kiev in 945 (in a horrific way I might add) by wiping out an entire people (The Drevlians). One of those cases where reality is even more mistifying than fiction.

[@stephenbyrneireland]

Man. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@justthinkingoutloud2538]

Egers knows how to make one heck of a cinematic experience. This was the first of his movies I saw, and I instantly fell in love with his filmmaking. I personally would've appreciated a bit more confrontation of the story's murky morality, with Olga making it clear to Amleth that she initially hates him for what he did to her family, and him taking some accountability for that. It just seemed to totally glaze over that when developing their relationship.

[@kevinbrooks6272]

I love that you're so into this movie! I just can't help the fact that I feel let down after watching the trailers and other marketing stuff for the movie. It didn't feel like I got what I was promised. I'm not a HUGE film guy and don't follow directors, so when the movie WASN'T an action-focused movie about vikings, I was disappointed. I understand who Eggers is now, but at the time, I felt betrayed by Hollywood and thought they were trying to shove some weird moral lesson down my throat through the premise of a viking action movie that would draw in the crowd. Still kinda feels that way. I don't need a lesson in moral ambiguity. I just want action! 😅

[@thejon93rd]

If there's ever another adaptation of The Crow, especially some of the comic spin-offs which take place far in the past, I'd love to see what Robert Eggers could do with the material.

[@TRIGGERED-TNT]

Ima see this ASAP. Thanks

[@Fred-rv2tu]

This is one of my favorite movies ever.

[@drphalanges1520]

At times Amleth really does seem to transform into some kind of beast. During the Rus raid he looked like a feral animal. Bear Wolf indeed!

[@SwissCheese667]

[Epic music commences] - Hail, Raven-King ! - War-Raven, hail ! - Hail, my Lord ! - Hail, Ring-Giver !

[@ada76100]

I loved this movie so much!!!!

[@BlackDevilGamer138]

Great video! I totally resonate with this because I'm the same way I have such a power raw reaction to this kinda of thing especially Norse history it's something I love deeply I appreciate videos like this. Also do you like Amon Amarth? Haha

[@oberlurch-handimations8628]

I saw it in theater! It was insane

[@connectedharddancemusic]

Brilliant director. As a Swede with a passion for history, I can definitely say this movie is the best representation of Norse people and their culture to date. Forget the popular image of vikings from tv shows and games, with their awful clothing and hairstyles. Finally we have historically accurate clothing, helmets & weapons, buildings and interior design, ships, tools etc. One of the historical advisors for the film was Neil Price, professor at Uppsala University, in Sweden. The atmosphere, music and scenery is amazing. If only they had spoken old Norse, or even modern Icelandic... that would have been awesome. Looking forward to Eggers next movies. We need more of these for sure.

[@rhyslightning3037]

Ive heard some people had a problem with the fact that “the gates of hel” as the film calls are in a volcano when in norse mythology hel is supposed to be cold and baron. Im interested to hear what your take on this is.

[@aethelwulf7819]

I disagree. I'm also a Swede, but the attire of ancient Scandinavians were, once again, misrepresented. We were a colourful people who wore vibrant garments; the obsession with the grey, dull, bland and dreary colours, does a disservice to us.

[@aethelwulf7819]

@@rhyslightning3037 Yes, as a Swede, it was a problem. Firstly, the "Gates of Hel" would be inaccurate because Hel doesn't really have anything to do with Iceland. In fact, Surtr would have been the appropriate god/giant because Surtr is the volcano god of Iceland. Therefore, that would have been more apt. Secondly, Niflheim may be a cold place, but it most certainly isn't barren, as it is dominated by rivers, streams, forests, etc. Think of the region of the Alps: lots of of mountains but also forested with many rivers. That's Niflheim. However, Helheim (or Hel's Hall) is Hel's domain within Niflheim. It's a beautiful place in which the forgotten and disabused go to rest, aka the dead. Hel is a nurturing goddess who provides an eternal place of rest -especially the aforementioned. She is not a monster, nor was she ever a monster; she is extremely caring and understanding. The monster misconception was introduced at a much later stage, which is unfortunate. Hopefully this will help you?

[@rhyslightning3037]

@@aethelwulf7819 thank you very much. Appreciate the information. Unfortunately as will all movies they are always gonna do some things for spectacle regardless of weather it’s historically accurate or not. But i still found it entertaining so i guess it did its job in that department.

[@connectedharddancemusic]

@@aethelwulf7819 I see your point. The "upper class" in the film did have vibrant blue, red and green colours though. Some of the warriors do also have cloaks and other garments in those same colours, perhaps a bit duller. But yes, there should perhaps have been even more colour. In my opinion it's still the best depiction to date that I have seen (Yes, there can be improvements). These following are not even close: Vikings (TV show) The Last Kingdom (TV show) The 13th Warrior (Film) Pathfinder (Film) Beowulf (Film) Valhalla Rising (Film) I'm not aware of any other shows or movies that depict "Norsemen". Please let me know if there are any that I have missed.

[@Krucek6666]

My favourite viking movie

[@nicholasdominic2825]

He’s a ulfhednar not berserker basically a wolf man warrior.

[@lunnafurst]

the bunny at the end made my day lol

[@ericrhea9492]

I’m so happy I saw this in theaters

[@Ana.0223]

Haven't watched the movie and only less than 5 mins into this video, but just hearing Vikings + revenge story reminds me of the manga series, Vinland Saga. (I love this series sm and the main character, Thorfinn! ) Will have to give this film a watch soon!

[@UlfhednarAxe]

This film led me to become a Norse history fanatic thanks Robert 😊

[@MYSTERIOMUSIK]

PERIOD IVE BEEN WAITING AND IM SO EARLY

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

This movie deconstructs the heroic revenge story, something I think many of the Icelandic sagas do as well

[@SidPhillips666]

Absolutely one of my favorite movies of all time

[@brewtaleats6555]

Saw this in theatres on opening night, on about 20 mg of dried shrooms. I also did the same with the Lighthouse, and most recently, Nosferatu. Of the three, The Northman benefitted most from the heightened auditory and visual acuity, it took the film from an already-fantastic experience into something almost spiritual. The shrooms gave me a child-like wonder and amazement for the visual experience, but also a profound appreciation for the symbolism and alliteration presented within scenes. Watching it again on tv and sober, the film was still fantastic, and lost nothing of the experiences from first viewing. The Lighthouse was also a great film to trip to, but for some reason Nosferatu didn’t quite click with the drug the way the other two films did. I was quickly taken out of the story anytime a person sitting several seats over would have to check his phone during the film, with no sense of consciousness to the bright glow he was emitting everytime the compulsion to connect with his device took hold. Nosferatu hasn’t stayed with me the same way the Northman did, and The Lighthouse before it (and the Witch before that, which I never had a chance to see in theatres). It’s probably my least favorite of his films so far, but perhaps it’ll grow on me with multiple viewings. The Northman had me enthralled from the first moments on.

[@IzzyTheEditor]

Thanks Rock!

[@dylanmonstrum1538]

For a slave, what his mother became is BEST case scenario. She is a traitor, and so is his fathers killer, no matter how you slice it.

[@scillyautomatic]

I have to say, I respect Eggers for shooting in fire light and available light. Although the low angle of the lighting (authentic as it was) was distracting. Funny side note - I showed up on a set one time and the gaffer said "This director likes to shoot available light... so go to the truck and get every available light and put it on a stand."

[@roderick8167]

I love this movie this was my favorite Robert Eggers movie that is until I watched Nosferatu but this movie still kicks ass 🤘🔥💯

[@alexpletcher4365]

I love Eggers and to be honest I dont know if this can ever be topped as my favorite of his. Not even to say the word "best" I just love this movie and it at the perfect time, Senior Year of High School and I saw it with my friends 3 times

[@s.archer1902]

I still don’t think I’m convinced, despite my immense admiration for Eggers and the rest of his work, but it’s SO nice to see that someone out there was so affected by this one

[@BUKUDI]

Dudes a fanboy. Said Nos would be a masterpiece without question, before having ever seen it. & then woop, guess what, he saw it & made a video about how its a masterpiece. Kids these days like to throw around words like masterpiece & perfect like they have no actual meaning. I'm sure he's already giddy wondering what "masterpiece" Eggers will make as his next movie lmao

[@RocklinGraves]

I never once said it was a masterpiece before seeing it... yes I'm looking forward to seeing what Eggers does next, because yes I've fucking loved everything he's done... People can resonate with certain creatives and look forward to what they make my dude. I don't know why enjoying things is met with so many people angry about someone liking it lol.

[@erikschwartz1214]

Even if this film didn't resonate with you its impossible to say he isn't one of the best working directors who takes his craft seriously, and has a big love for making historically accurate stories to the best of his ability.

[@JaredDavis145]

​@RocklinGraves don't let people like that get you down, you're doing great work, and are allowed to like whatever you want.

[@s.archer1902]

@@erikschwartz1214 agreed-I love this about him, and would hold The Northman up as a masterful example of thoughtful, detail-oriented, well researched cinema like any of Eggers’s films. I even respect its narrative and thematic ambition. But I couldn’t imagine being moved to tears, or connecting with Olga the way RGP has, or being compelled to watch multiple times, or otherwise having any of the big reactions outlined in this review. I felt this one skewed the balance between technical achievement and landing the emotional beats in a way that his others didn’t. But I think it’s great that not everyone feels this way; those beats clearly landed for others, and I wish I could relate

[@HBlackburn]

Watched this film for the first time two days and loved it. Ended up looking up the box office numbers and immediately became furious. You're absolutely right to say that it was a crime.

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

Funny, I interpeted the ending a different way. I saw it as Amleth ultimately failing and succumbing to his want for vengeance, but your interpetation makes clearly more sense and is the intended reading

[@Theloneswan2771]

I still gotta check this one out !!

[@LittleBlueOwl318]

It's soooo good - on every level! The acting is stellar, the directing and music are spectacular and the cinematography is mindblowing! It's every bit as good as "300". You will not be disappointed, I promise!

[@KirbyLouis]

one thing people need to let go of is, not all movies need to be a good vs/and bad scenario... sometimes movie can just be, a story... thats what this is; an epic/legend,

[@totallyawesome80s55]

I don't typically like ambiguity in films. I don't want things left open to interpretation, I want things resolved and questions answered. In this movie, however, I didn't mind it because it seemed to fit so well. Like, it would've felt wrong if the story were more to the point. I'm no expert in Norse mythology and culture, but every single detail feels 100% authentic in this film. Not just for the time period but for the mythological feel, as well. Like you're you're not meant to be watching a historical drama, but rather a Norse saga playing out, with the magical sword and the supernatural elements... It all feels very epic. I really wish they had included more Old Norse language, though, because it's such a beautiful language and very characteristic of the land they lived in.

[@austina3329]

Have you done a video on American Mary? It’s one of my favorite revenge stories put to screen. Definitely one of the Soska sisters’ best outings

[@ghiliesnipe]

If you go on to do more non-horror videos, check out The Promised Land - Danish western-esque film set in 18th century Denmark with Mads Mikkelsen attempting to cultivate the heathland while the local lord attempts to stop him. The style and cinematography always reminded me of Eggers' type films, and coincidentally also has Gustav Lindh (Throrir) in it

[@bradleydavies4781]

Yes I love Olga she can do no wrong for sure .

[@Nyctm91]

Love this movie

[@Anynom]

Awesome film.

[@jimmothytovar4075]

The second you said werewolves seen in the tree I was searching so hard to find them in the tree bloodline scene. I’m not sure if it’s just because the older lineage is too decomposed to see it but I’m at a loss.

[@reneedailey1696]

On the right-hand side towards the back of the tree- A few seconds before King Aurvandil emerges, the fresher the dead become.

[@RocklinGraves]

It's pretty far in the background, but it's there. I should've highlighted it lol

[@AlexciaWHY]

If Nosferatu didn’t exist this would still be my favorite Eggers film. Dragged my mom to watch it with me for my second watch with the promise of beefy men and good ole fashioned violence. Now she trusts the power of Eggers and voluntarily went to see Nosferatu after I praised it.

[@dereksendrak]

Such Ana amazing movie!

[@ErinJeanette]

I can't believe the witch is ten years old. I had no idea Eggers was married to bjork

[@timpage9424]

So glad it made a profit on VOD. Felt like that was the big factor that got his Nosferatu off the ground finally.

[@FABBYFLAME]

it is so funny that many thinks this is his most underrated movie, imo this is his best one after the new Nosferatu

[@Mallowolf]

Oh man, I usually pass on historical movies that cast people with very obvious modern plastic surgery because they take me out of the suspension of disbelief every time I see them. But I’m going to give this one a try and then come back to see the video.

[@LittleBlueOwl318]

You will not be disappointed, I promise!

[@smrodan]

I'm no expert on historical accuracy but in my KZbin travels I've come across a few videos on the subject by Bernadette Banner. She has many videos discussing the process of research and construction of costumes for historical media, as well as their all too common pitfalls. Based on *that* I can say that The Northman ticks every box and far exceeds what you would normally expect from something that isn't intended as educational reconstruction. The fact that there are so many styles of garments and that their diversity has an internal logic like, complex colors and patterns for the wealthier or abstract art-like pieces for shamanic rituals using specific animal-based materials, etc. The fact that an on set historian wept is really all you need to know. This expert who has dedicated her professional life to meticulously studying this time period based on what fragmented artifacts we have, getting to see and walk amidst a reconstruction of a world that normally only lives in her imagination, of course that will elicit an emotional response!

[@wheelchazeal8089]

I thought I was alone in adoring this movie.

[@Howler452]

Literally the only thing I thing I wish was better in this film is the fight choreography.

[@lobes117]

Eggers had said he finally made a film he didn’t despise with “nosferatu” but dang dude have you seen “the Northman??”

[@Diamondelle84]

17:50 That's a real banger

[@afroahmed3989]

This movie was the perfect execution of a folktale, yes some characters in it existed historically, but still the atmosphere of the movie and the execution made it feel like a story people listened to around the campfire, beautiful movie and whoever is hating on it , it's your loss

[@mikewillis33]

For the design, he technically is still in the process of changing. If you look at the wolf-dad, he is a bit more animalistic in the face, more hair/fur on face and head, and more body hair. It still isnt the traditional wolfman but definitely closer and a new take. I think this pairs great with I Am Legend, as a more grounded/science-based werewolf and vampire origin and design

[@bennygerow]

I clicked right off the vid I was watching when I saw this notification in my feed!

[@TRIGGERED-TNT]

Oh shit!! I saw This already

[@RasMoviesDK]

I really should rewatch this. I saw it in the theater and liked it but i didnt love it. I have a feeling i might like it more now with different expectations.

[@jamiehoneycutt4865]

I also see it as him fighting for the life that was taken from him by his mother. She had no love for her son and wanted him killed as well.

[@thixiemattel]

you should talk about the green knight

[@RocklinGraves]

I'd love to. Just rewatched it recently and there's SO much to talk about

[@jseipp]

Eggers can't make a *bad* movie, but I thought this one was on the weak side. For every breathtaking accuracy there's a baffling innacuracy and I didn't find either Amleth or Olga particularly engaging characters. Gorgeous movie with incredible sequences though.

[@TheyTalkOnline]

The Northman ia absolutely amazing film.