This Was The Reason Why Robert Eggers Was Discontent With His Debut Film, The Witch

Robert Eggers Was Discontent with The Witch (2015): Yesterday, I came across a YouTube post that read, “10 mistakes made in XYZ film.” Well, to any other filmmaker, any minute mistake observed would have been a great deal, but for Robert Eggers, it would be nothing less than a nightmare. Eggers has delivered some incredible films. His films are noted for their folkloric and mythological elements, as well as for his thorough efforts to ensure historical authenticity and his attention to intricate details. Among his best works is his debut film, “The Witch.”

While the film received a positive response from the critics and earned a profit at the box office, Eggers was not fully content with his work. There was this minute element in the film that was not even evident, but it was enough to bother the director. It was the protagonist Anya Taylor-Joy’s visibly pierced ears that were seen throughout the film. Though it was visible, it was too minor to get into the viewer’s notice. Moreover, the film was far more engaging and terrifying to hook the audience to the plot rather than make them wonder why Anya’s ears were pierced in the 1600s setting.

If this wasn’t such a big deal, then why was Eggers so bothered by it? Earrings have been around since long before the 17th Century. The premise of “The Witch” is set in the 1630s, and according to the information obtained by Eggers, a young Puritan girl in the 1600s who lived on a farm probably wouldn’t have her ears pierced. Although Taylor Joy’s character Thomasin wasn’t wearing any big hoops that may have distracted the audience, she simply wore tiny earrings that were merely visible. But since Eggers is someone who is known for his knack for keen observational skills, he was disappointed with this one minor mistake in the film. He was so concerned about it that he even said that he wished he had edited her earhole out of the movie. However, he also acknowledged that this step might be an exaggerated reaction.

 

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Eggers is known for putting extra effort into the intricate details of his films. For someone who is so disciplined and determined with his craft, it’s understandable that such a mistake can take a toll on him. However, considering that it was his debut film, it would have been better if Eggers had been quite relaxed about it. But one thing certainly can’t be denied: “The Witch” is one of Eggers’ best works to date.

The Witch” is not just Eggers’ debut film, but it also marked the movie debut of Anya Taylor-Joy. As mentioned above, the film is set in 1630s New England, and the story follows a Puritan family who is banished from their colonial plantation and forced to live on the edge of a remote forest. Unaware of the evil residing there, the family gets stuck in an isolated environment. It’s a survival tale where the family encounters a malevolent force and dark supernatural elements that threaten their faith, sanity, and, ultimately, their lives.

As paranoia and fear grip the family, they confront the sinister presence hiding in the woods, testing their resolve and beliefs. The film explores themes of religious extremism, family dynamics, and the primal fears of the unknown. With its eerie atmosphere, authentic period setting, and chilling performances, “The Witch” has been acclaimed for its psychological horror and meticulous attention to historical detail. Alongside Taylor-Joy, the film includes Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, and Lucas Dawson.

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