FANG-TASTIC FLICKS. A cinematic history lesson for fans of bloodthirsty tv series such as “True Blood,” here are some classics of the vampire movie genre
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE
Stars: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas, Kirsten Dunst
Director: Neil Jordan
Based on Anne Rice’s best-selling romantic horror novel, this major Hollywood production from director Neil Jordan follows a young reporter played by Christian Slater who interviews a man claiming to be a 200-year-old vampire. Brad Pitt plays this character named Louis, who recounts his story from the 18th century when he was bitten by a charismatic vampire named Lestat, as portrayed by Tom Cruise. The relationship between Louis and Lestat is a troubled one, as Louis is forever tormented by his blood sucking new nature, a feeling that the cavalier Lestat is unable to relate to. Yet despite the rift, the two vampires remain inextricably linked as they both become intimately involved with Claudia (played by Kirsten Dunst), a mature immortal in a young child’s body. Despite Rice criticizing the casting of Cruise as Lestat, this thrilling gothic romance remains an endlessly entertaining example of the genre.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
Stars: Lina Leanders, Kare Hedebrant, Per Ragnar
Director: Tomas Alfredson
A modern-day Swedish romantic horror movie based on an original novel of the same name, “Let the Right One In” received international critical acclaim following its release in 2008. Breathing life into a tiring genre, the refreshingly inventive plot follows the story of a bullied 12-year-old boy who starts a relationship with a vampire child in a suburb of Stockholm.
BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA
Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Based on Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 novel, this vamp classic won three Academy Awards following its 1992 release. Gary Oldman plays the immortal Count Dracula who bites the necks of victims to avenge the death of his wife in the 15th century. However, unlike in the novel, Dracula is motivated by romance over bloodlust as he travels to London to meet a love interest.
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN
Stars: Quentin Tarantino, George Clooney, Salma Hayek
Director: Robert Rodriguez
A B-movie that is as fantastic as it is flawed, “From Dusk Till Dawn” stars screenwriter Quentin Tarantino alongside George Clooney as debauched brothers Seth and Richie Gecko who have to fight their way out of a titty bar filled with bloodsucking vamps.
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