Non-Dracula vampire movies
Few would contest that the Count is the head honcho of vampire films, but what about the non-Dracula films–which ones do you like, which ones do you hate? More importantly, which ones would you recommend??
Like:
I’ll try and keep my “choices” limited to films that may or may not have hit the mainstream moviegoer’s radar. The movie I would recommend highest to the vampire fan would probably be Shadow of the Vampire, starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe, along with a myriad of other great talent. Technically, it could be argued that Shadow was actually a Dracula movie because it is a chronicling of the “real” events that took place during the filming of the original Nosferatu. Nosferatu was, as we all know, the first film version of the book Dracula. However, Shadow makes no claims that its vampire, Shreck (played by Willem Dafoe), is the same as Dracula. The story is powerful and, like all good vampire films, adds a bit of humanity to the villianous blood-sucker. I prefer the vampire flicks that add a further level to the vampire than just “I’m thirsty for blood,” and Shadow does just that. It also gives a glimpse into the fledgling film industry. If you haven’t seen it, check it out.
Shadow of the Vampire, with Willem Defoe and John Malkovich
Dislike:
I think I’ll save this for a rainy day. Plus, even though there are lots of bad vampire movies out there, most of them still have at least one or two redeeming qualities. I’ll leave this one up to y’all out there in the web.
Recommendation:
Find a vampire movie and watch it. Doesn’t matter which one. Report back here with your findings. Remember, not all vampire movies are horror films; try looking in your comedy section, or anime, or science fiction. There are even some children’s movies with our favorite denizens of the night in them (you all remember The Monster Squad, right?)!
The Monster Squad!
(post edited by Jason, 12-11-08 3:39am)
Tags: Movies
I know a lot of vampire anime were made, but I suppose the most famous ones were “Vampire Hunter D,” “Hellsing,” and the “Blood” series. I’m sure I’m forgetting some.
The funniest and most loyal to Bram of all the vampire comedies is without a doubt the hysterical LOVE AT FIRST BITE with Goerge Hamilton. I still laugh my butt off every time I watch it. Best line: Richard Benjamin holds up a Jewish Star to frighten Dracula and the Count says, “Why don’t you find yourself a nice Jewish girl, Rrrrrrosenberg!”
I remember when I first saw that one. George Hamilton, King of Making a Career of Making Fun of Himself, really delivers. It’s certainly on the upper tier of vampiric comedies.
Shadow Of The Vampire was a tough watch for me. I loved the preformances, especially Willem Dafoe though it reminded me of Klaus Kinski in Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu remake more than Max Schreck. However, knowing the unhappy history between F.W. Murnow and the Stoker Clan I’m always torn when watching anything to do with Nosferatu. Awesome movie, but totally illegal. All prints of the film were ordered destroyed after Murnow lost a copyright infringment lawsuit to Bram’s widow. As a writer it is so wrong that Nosferatu even exists. As a Dracula Film buff the movie is pure excellence. What’s a guy to do?