Review of Interview with the Vampire (1994) by Cameron J — 13 Aug 2011

I don't like to toot my own horn, but I did once get an eye exam from the guy who played the son in the background in that family that got killed in an under 15-second, uncredited, almost completely unnoticeable cameo in this film, before going on to do nothing else but work at Pelham Eye Care in Alabama. Okay, so it's not the biggest celebrity meet, but I'll take it. But, that moment of starstrike is quickly drowned-out by one of the many disturbing moments that follows. This is a disturbing film and I understand that that's what it's going for, but it does so in a gratuitously too-much and overly-gorey fashion. Of course, like I said, that's all part of the dark drama that contributes to this film's being so well-crafted. Still, it has plenty more flaws than just disturbances. These other flaws include a lack of subtlety, some storyline rushing, mildly inconsistent character focus, a deal of slow spots a little bit after the one hour mark and a forced, cop-out ending.

Another major problem with the film is the casting, which is so - as put best by the consensus - clumsy. The performers feel so out-of-place, but that doesn't mean that they still don't work around that. Although the clumsy casting takes you out of the film, it's hard to not be pulled right back in by the excellent performances, particularly that of leading man Brad Pitt. Yes, I said leading man. Tom Cruise is just advertisement and the real man of the hour is Pitt, who's emotional work and ability to convey the struggles and misery of his character are much of what makes this film so compelling and chilling. Of course, he wouldn't nearly be as effective without the dark, thrilling atmosphere set by director Neil Jordan, who's hypnotically chilling style keeps the tension going. Other strengths include originality, excellent sound, great production designs, fine practical effects, a magnificent score and a progressive increase in compellingness.

Ultimately, through all of its flaws, "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire" remains an inventive, chilling, compelling and fascinating dramatic study on the struggles of vampires, with powerful lead performances carrying it the whole the way through.