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)
