Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Before the pubescent tides of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries there was Neil Jordan's' interview with the vampire. The film was based on Anne Rice's same named book from the Vampire chronicles.

Ever since Buffy waged war on vampires whilst graduating college the Gothic knights have lost their way. But not here. There are no half-breeds and there are no treaties with humans. Only the hapless collision between a superior race and an ever weakening one. 

Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise star in this engaging blood-fest which sees a return to the classic tales of aristocratic and elegant creatures who stalk their weak prey.

The story begins in early 1600 and is set amongst the backdrop of the rich slave worked fields and lands of Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt). A troubled aristocrat who has recently lost his wife and child, mourns their loss with each passing day. He seeks out his own demise and sprays his money away on whores and liquor. His quest for death is granted by Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise), or so he thinks. For when he dies a mortal death he passes into an immortal life.

Cruise excels as the egotistical and callous Lestat de Lioncourt. The headline grabbing Scientologist is too often forgotten as a powerhouse actor. He consistently turns out brilliant performances in varied roles and should be judged on that alone. 

The two a-listers have a great chemistry and the film is laced with homo-erotic undertones. Their pouting mouths and beauty ensure they easily ensnare willing victims.

Kirsten Dunst appears in one of her earliest roles and shows real acting pedigree. Her performance confirms her ability as an actress at a very young age, one scene in particular she goes toe to fang with Cruise and Pitt, and she holds her own with youthful ease.

More recent vampire features have steered away from the classical vision of the pale blood suckers. Bram Stokers Dracula has been replaced by moody walkers of the night who enjoy standing alongside their human counterparts and also engaging in meaningful relationships.

Ideas always have to be developed and changed, this is inevitable. It just seems a shame for the creatures of the night to lose their sophistication. What also seems strange is writers attempts to humanise them. Turning vampires into caring individuals who subsequently have a taste for blood makes waste of their function as a seductive force of evil.