Mariana Youssef of Fulano Filmes directed this long-form spot for client Tok&Stok and agency DDB Brasil which takes us back in time to the 1700s in a small village nestled in the wilderness. Young men get ready to go on an “initiation trip” into the woods to become grown men. They carry with them tools passed down from their grandfathers and fathers. The lads’ parents, friends and significant others wait with great anticipation.
Alone in the wild, each young man copes with his lot in life, seeming scared and careful as they walk into the dark of night. Daylight comes and they return to the village as heroes, as men bringing something with them: their own hand-made furniture.
Their triumphant coming home is accompanied by supers (translated into English) which read, “Let’s Be Men” followed by “Let’s Build Our Own Furniture.” Then the logo appears for Tok&Stok, which sells easy-to-assemble furniture.
The piece was shot in Prague and the Czech Republic by DP Jan Velicky. It had more than 50 extras, three wardrobe changes for each character, manufacturing of the furniture from the time period, cast rehearsals and special equipment. More than 120 professionals from the movie industry worked on the film to recreate this local villa from centuries ago.
Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe Reunite For “Nosferatu”
When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he'll often jump at the chance to do it again.
The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked with more than once is extensive, including Wes Anderson,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and, now for a third time, Robert Eggers. "If it's good, you come back," Dafoe said plainly.
The pair spoke about Eggers' adaptation of "Nosferatu" that hits theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced making "The Lighthouse" — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.
The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q: Willem, I read that you called Robert after you saw "The Witch." What did you say?
DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.
Q: What is it about him that keeps bringing you back?
DAFOE: Well, if it's good, you come back. When I saw "The Witch," I thought, "Wow, this is a film about a period that I'm not particularly knowledgeable about, but I enter it so easily. This is relevant. It's rooted. It's my story. I'm with these people."
That's quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they're always pointing to themselves. They're always sending messages. They're always showing. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I thought, "Who does this? I gotta see this guy." And then I had a wonderful experience in "The Lighthouse" and I played a part that was really fun in "The Northman." So, when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say,... Read More