Directed By: Neil Jordan
Written By: Anne Rice (Based On her Novel)
Cinematography By: Philippe Rousselot
Editor: Mick Audsley & Joke Van Wijk
Cast: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Thandie Newton, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater
The film is operatic in style and rich in detail, but for someodd reason. The film always feels a bit off, Like there is a beat it sets up and is supposed to follow. But it keeps messing up hitting a wrong note or odd note. Which keeps it from getting up to it's full potential.
It's not exactly a run of the mill horror film. It tells the storyof one vampire and his rich history. It romanticizes the vampire lifestyle while showing the bad side of it also. This gives a more cultured look to things. Like a harlequin romance setting for a vicious tale.
This is one of the cases where i actually read the book the film was based on.It's a dark visual feast through the victorian era that makes everyone look pale but oddly alluring. The film is filled with sensuality and a definite homoerotic vibe. Which presents itself in longing glances and brushes of skin against each other. Which always makes vampires seem more romantic. Since they rarely if ever massacre to feed off of the blood of their victims. Usually in films to make it seem more romantic and personal, They Puncture the neck. A notoriously sensuous part of the body and drink from there sucking almost like kissing the neck and feeding on the elixer of life that passes through the whole body and when exposed is painful but revealing.
The film feels to big to be believable. It tries to have an intimate feel, But also feels a need to serve all members of the audience. So that it doesn't have a tone of it's own. After all no matter how it tries it is a big budget blockbuster film. Even though i feel Neil Jordan is the right director for this film. I wonder how much his hand might have been forced by the producers, Studio, Stars. from whatever original vision he may have had. Especially considering how high profile the film was and how much money was involved.
So much controversy when this film came out. Oprah Winfrey walked out of the premiere one third of the way through the film as she found it too bloody. Anne rice Originally wrote the book in the 70's and when it was talked about being made into a film she used Rugter Hauer as the model for the character physically so she wanted him to star. The film was set up to be made many times. Once the film was to be made in the 1980's John Travolta was supposed to star until the project went inot turnaround. Then Johnny Depp was offered the role of Lestat but turned it down. When Tom Cruise was cast. Writer Anne Rice was upset and let it be known, But after seeing the film. She was impressed by not only the film but by Cruise's performance so much so that she wrote him a letter of apology and also a two page letter praising the film a Masterpiece. There was also the death of River Phoenix who was supposed to play the interviewer who is replaced by Christian Slater.
Tom Cruise actually is surprising in the role of Lestat. He quiets any critics he may have had with his over the top performance that actually shows his range. He plays the range like a rock star. A cultured brutal brat. Barely recognizable with long blonde hair. He truly broke out and went to a place not safe for him at the time. It was one of the last times he took a role so wild. Considering he is usually so guarded in his acting and picks of roles it is exciting when he breaks out. He seems to have taken this role to prove to all of those who said he was all wrong for the role he could do it.
The film stays close to the book obviously not as rich and cultured as the writing. This was one of Brad Pitt's starring roles. The role calls for him to be our eyes into this life and he is more tortured then anything else and holds his feelings inwards. The way the role is played seeming like it is more about beauty then talent. As he really brings nothing to the role and stays impassive. He is not bad in the role. His looks are quite captivating as are Antonio Banderas playing Armand. So much so that you wish there was a spin off film for them to be in.
This is also one of the first substantial roles Kirsten Dunst ever had Beating the likes of Christina Ricci, Evan Rachel Wood and Julia Stiles for the role. It is actually one of her best roles as she has been impressive only a few tomes since. I must admit i am not one of her biggest fans.
The film has amazing art direction, but it is a film that should have been and felt like an epic. instead it feels small and intimate which i could understand for mood. yet it also feels independent.
This is the film TWILIGHT wanted to be a gothic horror and love story that goes across time.
The film is good, but not the masterpiece it could have been. Don't misinterpret it's beauty for deepness.
GRADE: B
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