Directed by: Neil Jordan
Released: 1994
Country: United States
Main cast: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater, Domiziana Giordano
Genres: Drama, Horror
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Review
Now here's a good vampire film. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, based on the novel by Anne Rice. It actually didn't feel it was a ''horror'' film, as this film, though it might be gorey and creepy at times, puts an emphasis on the feelings of the vampire protagonist narrating a tale felt with emotional content, horrors, pains, sufferings, love, tragedy, revenge... It is a good film, but I can't tell that it is flawless.
The film starts with a journalist (Christian Slater), who has come to interview Louis (Brad Pitt). The journalist wants Louis to narrate the story of his life. Louis starts, first informing that he is a vampire. Well, as it is, the film goes back 200 years ago, to 1791. Louis was a young man. Having just lost his wife, he was extremely depressed, and wanted to die. No one accepted this invitation, except a vampire named Lestat (Tom Cruise), who, after biting him, had given him the chance to choose either to die or to become a vampire. Louis chose the second one, and became a vampire.
But Louis later regrets this decision. Lestat kills and feeds on anybody he likes, without a regret, enjoying their blood. Louis still tries to retain his human qualities. For a while, he feeds on animals, but doesn't enjoy it. He becomes miserable and worn out, until Lestat turns a young girl, Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), into a vampire.
Louis and Claudia have a comfortable, deep and close relation. Louis is just like a parent to this little girl. Between them, a deep relation develops. But then Claudia starts to detest Lestat for giving her such immortality, for inflicting on her so much pains as decades pass and she remains a little girl.
Tom Cruise is perfect as Lestat. Lestat isn't quite a villainous vampire; in fact, despite of the matter that he is supposed to be one of the villains in this film, we feel anger towards him only on an occasion or two. Brad Pitt's Louis is excellent as well, making us feel sympathy for the protagonist.
But it is Kirsten Dunst who really got my attention. As the young Claudia, she is excellent, bringing in life both the innocent and ferociousness of the character. Unable to let go of the sorrows that she can never grow up, she will always remain a sweet little girl, the pains that she face, and also the relation with Louis- are all performed so excellent by the young Dunst.
Most of the film is enjoyable, but there are some problems as well. The Antonio Banderas part, though well-executed and very important for the story, somewhat seemed a little, umm, not as good as the earlier parts of the film. Though during this part, the depth of the relationship between Louis and Claudia is intensified, I, despite feeling emotional at times, didn't really like this part.
But keep it aside, the film is a really good one. It is also made well. Sets are wonderful and the score is haunting. Cinematography, though not extraordinary, deserves praise. Costumes and makeup are excellent. It is not essentially a horror film, but more a tale of the feelings between Claudia and Louis. Louis and Claudia are everything to each other. Louis is Claudia's protector, the only one with whom she feels herself comfortable. Claudia is like a child to Louis; their love for each other are unforgettable. This tale of feelings makes this film worth a watch!
3.5 out of 5
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