We just saw the latest offering of vampire films by Hollywood: “Underworld: Evolution” directed by Len Wiseman. Although not the best of vampire films, I was amazed at the sheer amount of fake blood that this production must have purchased. Is that a recommendation? Only if you are a big fan of the genre and don’t mind lots of violence. Otherwise, I’d say go and see “Chicken Little” — much more of an overall feel-good movie.
I remember the first vampire film I ever saw. It was one of the several Dracula films from the 1970s starring Christopher Lee. In truth, I don’t remember much about the film but I can tell you that when my parents sent me to bed, I dug out a small wooden cross, put it on a string and wore it around my neck that night and for several nights following.
Even after that traumatic introduction, over the years I’ve been of a fan of the classic Dracula story as well as the reinventions of the genre. At first it was probably the allure of living forever that made a vampire’s life fascinating. I believe that during my teen years, it was the tragedy and loneliness of a vampire’s life that resonated with me — one of my favorite songs from that time is “Moon Over Bourbon Street” by Sting. More recently, I find myself intrigued how the vampire legend will be recreated and retold (a lá Vlad the Impaler).
As an exercise to appease my own curiosity (after all, what else is a post in a blog?), here is a list of movies with at least one vampire that I recall having seen over the years (along with some highlighted favorites). There are some gaping holes in this list but a girl only has so much time and there are just too many movies to catch up on for now. Still, if I’ve missed something worthwhile, please let me know.
Van Helsing (2004)
Blade: Trinity (2004)
Underworld (2003)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Queen of the Damned (2002)
Blade II (2002)
Dracula 2000 (2000)
Blade (1998)
Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Vampire’s Kiss (1989)
My Best Friend Is a Vampire (1988)
The Lost Boys (1987)
Lifeforce (1985)
Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)
The Hunger (1983)
The Night Stalker (1972)
Count Dracula (1970)
Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Dracula (1931)
Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)
Creepiest: The silent classic “Nosferatu” whose evil Count Orlok looked as if he had more in common with orcs and goblins than vampires.
Best Reinvention of Vampire Origin: “Dracula 2000” takes a creative twist and we find that Dracula is one of the most tragic of fallen souls: Judas Iscariot.
Best Dracula: Coppola’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” stars the brilliant character actor Gary Oldman who captures the desperation and rage of Stoker’s tragic antihero.
Coolest Vampire Hybrid: The Reaper vampires in “Blade II” are downright terrifying. The amazing special effects make them look completely real.
Most Obvious Casting Choice: As a human being, David Bowie is creepy, so I thought it brilliant of Tony Scott to cast him as a vampire in “The Hunger.”
Best Use of Fake Blood: This was a tough one but it has to be the unbelievably ridiculous spray of blood that occurs when Lucy is “saved” from her exsistence as a vampire in “Dracula: Dead and Loving It,“a wonderful Mel Brooks moment.
To add to April’s list, I add The Most Offbeat, Funny Vampire Death is Paul Reuben’s (Pee Wee Herman) drawn out death scene from “Buffy, The Vampire Slayer” that goes on forever.
Here’s a question: Have you ever actually read the Bram Stoker book, or are you more like myself and others who just “wait for the movie?”
Actually, Brian, I have read Dracula. I found it an especially interesting read as it is written in the form of letters and journal entries.
Another famous epistolary book is “Les Liasons Dangereuses” which is fitting as the whole plot revolves around letters. Several movies are based on it: “Dangerous Liasons,” “Valmont,” “Cruel Intentions,” etc.
Of the gothic genre, I must admit I haven’t read Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” although I do own a copy. It’s such a sad tale, it’s difficult to find a sufficient motive to read it.
I would like to throw weight for “Best Cartoon Vampire” to Count Chocula, “Best CPA Vampire” to The Count from Seasame Street, and “Best Vegetarian Vampire” to Bunnicula.
Eugenia, you’re brilliant!