Discover
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River Phoenix
In Memory Of -
Greg Powell
Stunt Coordinator -
Anne Rice
Screenplay -
Kevin De La Noy
Second Unit First Assistant Director -
Neil Jordan
Director -
Michael Stevenson
Second Assistant Director -
Susie Figgis
Casting -
Paul Jennings
Stunts
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CinemaSerf 8/26/2023 3:17:56 PM
This is a much more sophisticated take on the vampire through-the-ages narrative; but it has certainly dated in the almost 30 tears since Neil Jordan put together a stellar, if not great, cast to regale us with the tale of "Louis" (Brad Pitt) & "Lestat" (Tom Cruise). Told in flashback to a very sceptical reporter "Daniel" (Christian Slater), Pitt tells of his near 200 year life that started with his meeting with Cruise and his conversion to his immortal existence based on blood. It's a hugely lavish affair, with loads of lust, trickery, duplicity and gore - tinged with genuine regret, loneliness and sadness - and, of course, loads of cruel violence. Whilst it does nod to the whole "Hammer" style of horror thrillers - there is plenty of ketchup - the writing and characterisations have much more depth to them. Neither of the principal characters are likeable, but you do build some sort of reverse empathy with - at least Pitt - as the film progresses. The attention to detail on the sets and costumes as we march through time never lessens and contributes magnificently to a stylish, sumptuous glamour-fest. Much as they were/are doubtless box-office A listers, however, Pitt was just too young looking to be convincing, Cruise just can't really act at the best of times, much less with extra dental props and Kirsten Dunst just annoyed me in the best traditions of Shirley Temple. A shame, because the rest of this is superb.
Tom Cruise
LestatBrad Pitt
LouisAntonio Banderas
ArmandChristian Slater
MalloyKirsten Dunst
ClaudiaThandiwe Newton
YvetteStephen Rea
SantiagoAndrew Tiernan
Paris Vampire