Review of Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) by Sophia W — 03 May 2014

This is the kind of movie Jack White would love - an understated and instant cult classic. This 'ultra-cool' vampire flick couldn't have been better casted. Swinton & Hiddleston were born to play Eve and Adam... especially as seen through Jarmusch's eyes.

A love poem to the history of art, the film experience permeates with respect and affection for music, poetry and literature. Adding to this art is how cinematic and totally original the film itself is. Yet under the obvious love for art, there also stems a strong environmental message subtly told and never preachy. From the contamination of our water, to the lack of humility with nature (the mushroom scene) and the disregard for classic art, our society seems to be headed for disaster. If Hiddleston represents the pessimistic side, then Swinton represents the optimism. They are the Yin and the Yang, the black and the white, the male and the female. The cyclical notion of peace and war in the history of human evolution is highlighted - the names and reasons may change, but will always be a reason. Self destruction seems to be in our nature and when seen through the vampires' eyes, it seems so idiotic, and the film is darkly funny as well. This circular nature is also explored visually through the camera work, the record player and even the cosmos.

Having said this, there is also beauty among our "zombie" population and by the end we get the sense that Jarmusch hasn't totally given up on humanity. It's a film about love; love for art, our world and ourselves. All explored in a dark, Gothic, cool and blood-thirsty way.