Review of The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967) by Jonathan L — 21 Jan 2011

Long title, odd movie. Roman Polanski's vampire comedy (and the film that introduced him to future wife Sharon Tate) is certainly visually impressive, particularly the elaborate old castle sets.

However, the rest of the movie is a largely uneven affair. Ferdy Mayne's Count von Krolock is appropriately menacing and classy, Sharon Tate is lovely and Alfie Bass' Shagal, a Jewish innkeeper who becomes a peasant vampire is easily the most amusing character.

The rest is... less amusing. Professor Abronsius and his assistant Alfred (played by Jack McGowran and Roman Polanski himself, respectively) just aren't very funny, which is a problem, since they are at the very heart of the film. Worse, they are painted in extremely broad strokes as tremendously incompetent vampire hunters, but lacking any charm or depth that makes you root for them as underdog characters and hope that they eventually overcome their limitations to save the day. This being a dark comedy farce allows some leeway toward character development, but our heroes provide the viewer with no reason to invest in them.

I hate to say it, but aside from some solid visual direction and beautiful cinematography from the great Douglas Slocombe, this is a horror comedy that provides neither scares or laughs.