Day 47 -- Interview with the Vampire

Released: November 11th, 1994

Starring: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater

Writer/Director: Anne Rice/Neil Jordan

Description: A vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.

[Review may contain spoilers. Please watch movie before reading, unless you don't care. Most of these films have already been released for a while, so they should be readily available.]

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Vampire movies have seen resurgence in recent years, and the genre has bred a whole new group of fans that do not understand the mythology. There are certain rules that apply to vampires that I feel have been forgotten in these new incarnations. And if these movies hang their hats on anything it would be the audience expecting certain things to be true.

"Interview with the Vampire" was a nice throwback to me to way I enjoy vampires to be portrayed. There is a class and sophistication with Lestat (Cruise) and Louis (Pitt) that is missing from the Cullens. An immortal should have a posh about them that makes them appear better than the mortals. While the brooding, self loathing vampire has its place, it also needs to be counter-balanced by the blood-thirsty abominations that they are. This contradiction can inhabit the same body, like Angel from "Buffy", or can be two vampires living together as it is in "Interview".

Lestat is you typical hunter type of vamp. He enjoys the kill and the power that he feels over those he deems inferior to himself. Cruise plays him with the perfect mix of evil and likeability. I wouldn't be surprised if Boreanez based Angelus after seeing this film. Cruise was also in his prime during this time period, and it was a nice reminder of how great of an actor he was when he was sane. He was at his best in the scenes with Claudia (Dunst), as he showed concern and vindictiveness each time he tried to teach her things.

Louis was more of your newfangled vampire. He's self aware, and doesn't enjoy the kill as much as Lestat, which leads him to be depressed the entire movie. This is Pitt's first real showcase of his acting talent; he does a terrific job of allowing each of Louis emotions to emanate from the screen. His character only becomes happy after he and Claudia arrive in Paris, and as the old story telling adage goes: once your character stars felling happy, you torture him some more. His introduction to Armand (Banderas) is the beginning of the end of his ignorant existence.

The review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the great performance by a 12-year-old, Kirsten Dunst. It's quite astounding that she can play innocent and devilish within the same scene. The moment where she "kills" Lestat comes to mind, she begins it by being cute with him by the piano, then turns diabolical as she slashes his throat, and finish it by being creepy as she says a prayer over him. It was a hell of a first role for Dunst, and you could even make the argument that she peaked with Claudia.

"Interview with the Vampire" was my first introduction to Anne Rice's version of the vampire, which are much closer to my idea of these fictional characters. They are dangerous, yet sophisticated; it's a great mix that certainly influenced Joss Whedon when he created the Angel character. If you enjoy the genre, it is definitely one to check out, and I even excuse it for not make a bigger deal about needing to be invited in, which is one of my favorite rules. Also, real vampires don't sparkle.

Rating: 8/10 -- If you dislike "Twilight", I'd give this film a chance before writing off the entire genre. The trio of Cruise, Pitt and Dunst makes the movie compelling, like a vampire version of "My Two Dads". Another entry in the "they-don't-make-em-like-they-used-to" list.