Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles

Few, if any, authors express their personal comment on the film adaptation of their own work in such a dramatic a fashion as Anne Rice did upon the completion of this film. After initially casting serious, and even justifiable, doubts on Tom Cruise's ability to act, and the statement that she would never work with the film company again, if he was cast in the part of Lestat. However, she chose to publicly withdrew all her previous comments with full page adverts in most of the major US papers as soon as she viewed the finished product. For an author to express such a change of opinion on the strength of one actor's performance is almost unprecedented.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, the film opens with a press reporter tracking down of a mysterious figure, whom he is convinced has a story to tell. Louis does indeed have an intriguing past, that of his several hundred years of experiences as a vampire. His story then unfolds in an almost continuous flashback of his life, and his somewhat unusual relationship with the demanding and possessive vampire, Lestat, his `creator'.

Not only does this film possess the strengths of a dramatic story-line and wonderful costumes, but also because of the amazing performances by all of those involved, including Tom Cruise, who finally proves he can actually act. Most notably is Kirsten Dunst, whose part (as the child vampire Claudia) is a particluar scene-stealer. Neil Jordan, director as you may remember, of The Crying Game, manages to create an intense atmosphere which is genuinely creep and thoroughly engaging.

Indeed, if you like the sight of blood, then this is the film for you... Or alternatively, if you want to stare at some cute male stars, you have Brad Pitt (Louis), Antonio Banderas (Armand), Tom and, of course Christian Slater (replacing River Pheonix as interviewer Malloy) in one of the most stylish horror movies to come from Hollywood in a not inconsiderable time.

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