Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

Genres

Drama, Fantasy, Horror

Director

Neil Jordan

Country

USA

Cast

Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Domiziana Giordano, Thandie Newton, George Kelly, Marcel Iures, Sara Stockbridge

Storyline

After his wife and infant dies, Louis (Brad Pitt) accepts Lestat's offer (Tom Cruise) to turn him into a vampire. But even after becoming a vampire, life wasn't fun for Louis until one night he met a little girl, Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), who would change his existence forever.

Opinion

I'm not a vampire flicks fanatic, but Interview with the Vampire seems to be such a classic of the genre and it also has an impressive cast so I gave it a shot, and I have to say it's a pretty good and fascinating vampire flick. And for a moment it made me forget the Twilight saga even exists.

What I like the most about it is the story. It is original and quite unique; it's also very interesting and engaging and that's mainly because since it's told thought the eyes of a vampire it gives us an insight in what it would really feel like being a vampire.

And the best thing about it is that this film doesn't simply tell a vampire story, but it addresses some pretty deep and serious philosophical questions as well. Like, what would happen if we are told our lives would never end? How would we react? How would we feel about it? And would life have a meaning anymore? So yeah, this film explores the notion of immortality pretty well. And it's price as well. With the character of Louis, Interview with the Vampire shows the struggle of a man to not become a monster and to stay true to himself. He indeed refuses to kill human, but will his survival instinct have the best? The weak do not survive after all.

With the love/hate relationship between Brad Pitt's Louis and Tom Cruise's Lestat, the film also explores themes such as love, hate, sorrow, loneliness and sadness, themes that are well delivered also thank to the film's dark, gloomy and melodramatic atmosphere and a beautiful score.

Also worth of a mention is the cast. From Pitt to Cruise to Banderas to the young Kirsten Dunst, they all give good performances, and they make these unbelievable characters feel real.

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Original Title

Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht

Genre

Fantasy | Horror

Director

Werner Herzog

Country

Germany

Cast

Klaus Kinski, Isabelle Adjani, Bruno Ganz, Roland Topor, Walter Ladegast, Dan van Husen, Jan Groth, Carsten Bodinus, Martje Grohmann, Rijk de Gooyer, Clemens Scheitz, John Leddy, Tim Beekman

Storyline

Jonathan Harker (Bruno Ganz) is sent to Count Dracula's (Klaus Kinski) castle because the Count wants to buy a house where he lives, in Varna. But Dracula is a vampire and he brings with him death.

Opinion

F. W. Murnau's "Nosferatu" was a fantastic film so I completely fail to see the reason to remake it. That being said, I have to admit that Werner Herzog did a quite good job and, even though it is not as good as the original, "Nosferatu the Vampyre" is a creepy and beautiful vampire film, and still one of the finest of this genre.

The main reason this film works is the story. Instead of taking Murnau's story that was slightly different from the original because he basically stole the story from Stoker, Herzog developed the original story more directly and introduce the characters as they were meant to be - Orlok becomes Dracula and the Hutters becomes the Harkers.

Of course that means the storyline is going to be more familiar than ever, and if you pair that with special effects you basically end up with the average vampire flick. Even boring if you allow me. But this film was directed by Werner Herzog which makes the film a lot more interesting. Why? Because instead of using special effects - everyone can do that - he relies on scenery, locations and photography to achieve a visual splendor.

In addition, the film also has an amazing cast. Just like Max Schreck, Klaus Kinski also does a wonderful job in the role of Dracula. He is hypnotizing and terrifying and I have to say that the music and makeup help with the creepiness. And the sexual tension between his character and Isabelle Adjani's Lucy really adds to the film. Bruno Ganzo also does a good job in the role of Jonathan Harker.

Nosferatu (1922)

Original Title

Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens

Genre

Fantasy | Horror

Director

F. W. Murnau

Country

Germany

Cast

Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim, Greta Schröder, Alexander Granach, Georg H. Schnell, Ruth Landshoff, John Gottowt, Gustav Botz, Max Nemetz, Wolfgang Heinz, Heinrich Witte, Guido Herzfeld, Karl Etlinger, Hardy von Francois, Fanny Schreck

Storyline

A young, German real estate agent (Gustav von Wangenheim) is sent to Transylvania as the Count (Max Schreck) wants to purchase an house in Germany and soon realises the evil he is dealing with.

Opinion

Almost a century ago, before vampires were portrayed as the cool kids, Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau brought to the screen Bram Stoker's legendary vampire, Dracula, for the very first time with "Nosferatu", a brilliant and quite disturbing masterpiece of silent cinema.

As mentioned above, the film is based on Stoker's novel, but, due to some copyright problems, the names of the characters and places were changed which is definitely not a big deal because the story remains the same, that story we all know by heart.

The story is well told, well, most of it is. Some parts look a little confusing because the titles don't really explain what is going on. Also I have to admit that at some point the story turns into something really weird that is nothing like "Dracula". 

Other than that, I have nothing to complain about. The sets, environments and photography are perfect and give the film a fantastic, unique and unforgettable atmosphere that is terrific and creepy, still nowadays. Some of the special effects are laughable, but they still deserve respect because this film was made before computers were even a thing.

And yes, this film is actually scary and Max Schreck has to be thanked for that. He plays the part of Count Orlok/Nosferatu to perfection, and with his long fingernails and gaunt appearance he delivers the best vampire performance ever, bringing such a presence to the role that cannot be equaled. 

I would have never imagined a silent film to still be this powerful nowadays, but I get why some people may find it too slow or boring. 

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Genre

Drama

Director

Jim Jarmusch

Country

UK | Germany

Cast

Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt, Anton Yelchin, Jeffrey Wright, Slimane Dazi, Yasmine Hamdan, White Hills

Storyline

Adam (Tom Hiddleston), an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his lover for centuries Eve (Tilda Swinton). Their love is interrupted and tasted by Eve's wild and uncontrollable little sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska).

Opinion

After years and years of humiliation, thanks to Jim Jarmusch, the vampire genre finally reappropriates of its dignity.

With its quiet tempo, Only Lovers Left Alive is a stylish, philosophical, and deeply melancholic film that drags the viewer into the deepest solitude.

The story is simple, yet great, but it isn't that vital, as it comes second to the characters. Apart from being two eternal lovers of ethereal beauty, Adam and Eve are very interesting characters. 

Desolate streets, cities, all seen through the window of a car. There are only Adam and Eve, alone. Two lovers who have seen everything and have resigned themselves to the decadence of modern society. A decadence "performed" by humans/zombies, which destroy their fellowmen, nature, and the beauty inherited from the past - just think of the Michigan Theatre, once a glorious place and now a car park. 

They are wise, and mature, and their conversations are passionate and fascinating. Life tends to lose meaning when one has lived so long, but as long as we have somebody to share our life with, everything will make sense - and that's what happens when Adam and Eve reunite.

There is one particular scene that stuck with me: when Adam was captured by the singing of a Lebanese singer and was informed by Eve that she could become famous one day. It's right there when we see Adam's attitude towards the contemporary society at its best. He hopes that she won't become famous, so to stay true to her art, and not lose who she is in the blur of the stars. 

The beautifully romantic, gloomy and decadent atmosphere, the sublime photography, and the retro settings enrapture and envelop the viewer in a halo of melancholy. The music is flawless: carefully selected, always suitable, omnipresent yet never intrusive.

If nothing of what you have just read makes you want to watch this film, do it then for the stunning acting. Tom Hiddleston delivers a wonderful performance as Adam - if you think he was great as Loki, you should definitely see him in here. Tilda Swinton is superb as always. John Hurt well plays Christopher Marlowe. Mia Wasikowska is terrific as usual as Swinton's sister.

I read that Michael Fassbender was in talks to play Adam - and I bet you all know how much I love him - but it's really hard to imagine a pair of actors more perfect for these parts. And with such a great chemistry.

Quotes

Eve: How can you've live for so long and still not get it? This self obsession is a waste of living. It could be spend in surviving things, appreciating nature, nurturing kindness and friendship, and dancing. You have been pretty lucky in love though, if I may say so.

Eve: I'm sure she'll be very famous.
Adam: God, I hope not. She's way too good for that.

Blade: Trinity (2004)

Genre

Action | Fantasy | Horror

Director

David S. Goyer

Country

USA

Cast

Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds, Dominic Purcell, Parker Posey, Callum Keith Rennie, Triple H, Natasha Lyonne, Haili Page, John Michael Higgins, Mark Berry, Patton Oswalt, James Remar, Michael Anthony Rawlins, Eric Bogosian, Ron Selmour, Christopher Heyerdahl

Storyline

Now a wanted man by the FBI, Blade (Wesley Snipes) must joins forces with a group of vampire hunters whom call themselves the Nightstalkers to face a new enemy: Dracula (Dominic Purcell).

Opinion

I'm finally done with Blade - hopefully the won't make a new one - and I am not happy to say that these last three weeks have been a roller coaster, because the trilogy started in a very bad way, it went on rising a lot - Guillermo del Toro deserves all the credits for that -, and it finished in the worst way possible, even worse than how it started.

With a name that recalls the Matrix trilogy, Blade: Trinity is the kingdom of boredom, repetitions, confusion, and disappointment.

Third director of the trilogy and writer of the first two episodes, David S. Goyer fails on all fronts. His direction is flat, and the screenplay is even worst. The story is banal, granted, it doesn't say much, and not even the tons of bullets spilled on the bad guys can increase the film quality.

The villains are not convincing at all, both Dracula - not used properly, and made look weak - and Danica Talos - which apparently has fangs in her vagina as well, as if that was a vital information. Also, what's going on with the vampire dogs? 

The special effects have improved - thank you, progress! -, still the action scenes aren't that good. The soundtrack is spot on: bad as the rest.

The acting. Wesley Snipes seems bored, as if he had given up with the role, and his facial expression - that barely changes - is the proof of that. The two new and young faces, Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel, gave hope for something good, but unfortunately not even them manage to arouse emotions. Triple H shows off his great wrestling's skills, and his awful acting. Dominic Purcell, who plays Dracula, is the only to have fun. He really looks like he's enjoying what he's doing.

Blade II (2002)

Genre

Action | Fantasy | Horror

Director

Guillermo del Toro

Country

USA | Germany

Cast

Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela, Norman Reedus, Thomas Kretschmann, Luke Gross, Matt Schulze, Danny John-Jules, Donnie Yen, Karel Roden, Marit Velle Kile, Darren Crawford, Tony Curran, Santiago Segura

Storyline

Still pursuing his goal of slaying vampires, Blade (Wesley Snipes) forms an uneasy alliance with the Vampire Council in order to combat the Reaper vampires who feed on vampires.

Opinion

I knew Guillermo del Toro would have made Blade right, and he actually made quite a difference. In fact, Blade II not only is a huge improvement on its predecessor, but is the successful combination of horror and action, and manages to entertain.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying it is an outstanding film, because it still have some problems. The story isn't as brilliant as I wished, there are still some plot holes, but at least this time the few little twists keeps you engaged, and give you the push to go all the way. The action isn't spectacular, but it is quite enjoyable.

One of the biggest problems is the CGI. The computerised characters may look good, but they seem fake, and their movements looks even faker. The other big problem is with the characters: there is no development, some of them are not intriguing at all, and Frost was definitely a better, and most interesting villain than Nomak - but at least this time Blade needs more time to defeat the enemy.

Oh, the acting. I gotta say it, I really miss the comic-dramatic version of Snipes. Comparing him with the first film, he has certainly worked on his body, but I can't say the same about the acting. Kris Kristofferson is good, but wasted because of the wrong use of his character. Ron Perlman does a good job, and he really seems to be having fun. Leonor Varela does a good job - unfortunately her character's relationship with Blade isn't used as it should have. Norman Reedus is young and cocky in the role of the clichéd Scud - it would have been great seeing him slicing vampires' throats Daryl Dixon's style.

Quotes

Blade: There's an old saying: Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

Blade (1998)

Genre

Action | Fantasy | Horror

Director

Stephen Norrington

Country

USA

Cast

Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright, Donal Logue, Udo Kier, Sanaa Lathan, Arly Jover, Kevin Patrick Walls, Tim Guinee, Traci Lords, Eric Edwards 

Storyline

In a world where vampires walk the earth, Blade (Wesley Snipes), half-vampire, half-mortal, has a goal: protecting the human race, while slaying evil vampires. 

Opinion

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Aaron, some guy on IMDb, wrote, as I quote him, "I liked this one even more than "X-Men". In fact, this movie is sort of a cross between "X-Men" and "The Matrix" and it came out before either.". I do really love "X-Men" and "The Matrix", and just because this one was released before, I can't swallow the fact that somebody even thinks it's ok to compare those films.

But let's move on straight to the review! Blade is a dull, dragged, lifeless comic book adaptation, with lots of useless blood, that doesn't engage the audience at all, and instead of rooting for somebody, you only want this torture to end. But I get why tons of people gave this film a 10 out of 10. After all, it has lots of exploding heads and bodies, oceans of blood and lot of unrealistic fighting.

Mostly everything in this film is bad, and doesn't make sense. Blade is portrayed as the unbeatable vampire that can beat the Blood God in just a few minutes. For God's sake, after a two-hour-never-ending-screening don't we deserve something more? Why do the bad guys always attack Blade one at a time? They even wait for their turn, isn't that ridiculous? I guess I've missed something because the council members were supposed to be essential in the process, but after Frost's girlfriend kills one of them, at my very surprise, the ritual goes through. And how about Blade killing his mother with a bone? I'm sure I've missed something else, because I don't remember somebody saying vampires can be killed with bones. And at last, but not least, Karen. After Blade drank her blood - no small amount, considering how much he sucked it from her neck - she can walk like nothing happened, and she even attempts a fight with Frost's girlfriend, which, by the way, looks like a meth head. 

Wesley Snipes does exactly the same things he did in "The Demolition Man". He fights - luckily for him, Sylvester Stallone isn't his opponent this time -, and has the opportunity to show off another awful haircut. Also, he probably is at his worst in this film. He looks like he doesn't care about the film, and he moves like a robot. At least, Stephen Dorff is pretty good as Frost.