Interview with the Vampire: The characterisation of vampires in films and TV shows

The very idea of beings who lust after human blood has long been a storytelling device that has captured the imagination of writers and audiences for more than a century. Bram Stoker’s legendary novel Dracula, released in 1987, became the archetype for a vampire. There have been countless adaptations and reimaginings in various formats since and it has become a part of pop culture and the social fabric of civilisations.

The myth surrounding a Transylvanian noble who kills and drinks blood from his victims’ bodies is the perfect premise for a horror story. But unlike the more relatively recent films in the same genre, it does not rely on jump scares, gore, and terrifying demons. Instead, the vampire, which has become a genre in itself, is more akin to a serial killer who is intelligent and stalks his victims. It is one of the reasons why vampires have become romanticised in fiction. More often than not, vampires are depicted as attractive beings with powers of seduction as part of their repertoire — something which they are shown to use in order to lure their intended victims. Author Stephanie Meyer’s The Twilight Saga takes this idea of a vampire to extreme lengths and touches upon the fantasies about dangerous yet attractive individuals.

Unfortunately, the novels and the subsequent film adaptations of The Twilight saga, despite its commercial success, come across as glorified fan fiction. Even though the era of comedy vampire stories is no longer in favour, apart from Hotel Transylvania, the Twilight saga is unintentionally hilarious. It has also damaged the very idea of a compelling vampire story. But the ‘vampire genre’ found its unlikely saviour in the Netflix video game adaptation Castlevania. The animated series offers a genuinely thought-provoking narrative and explores several socio-political themes, but most significantly it was instrumental in reviving one’s faith in the genre. It could also be argued that it is one of the best vampire and Dracula stories ever told, and it was able to establish that compelling video game adaptations can be done right.

The reboot of the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire is further evidence that the filmmakers are ready to bring back the forgotten elements of the genre. In retrospect, the 90s did feature remarkable vampire films with the great cinematic appeal. The 1992 film, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, based on the book of the same name, starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, and Anthony Hopkins set the bar when it comes to exploring such stories. Even though Interview with the Vampire, based on Anne Rice’s novels, was criticised at the time for its dark undertones, it has since become a cult classic. The film, directed by Neil Jordan, features a star-studded ensemble of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, and a young Kirsten Dunst. Underneath the blood, gore, and glamorous set pieces is a deeply moving tragedy. It scrutinises the age-old debate of 'nature versus nurture'.

Brad Pitt essays the role of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a human who is turned into a vampire by Tom Cruise’s character, Lestat de Lioncourt. The narrative rests on Louis’ refusal to submit to his carnal instincts and feed on humans, and Lestat’s willingness to readily give into his dark desires. The significant aspect of the movie is its ending. Louis narrates his tragic life, which spanned nearly 200 years, to a modern-day reporter, and insinuates that being immortal is not as glamorous as one would imagine. But the reporter insists that Louis turns him into a creature of the night. Thematically this scene plays into the concept that human beings as a species are easily seduced by the allure of power and immortality regardless of the cost.

In the new rebooted series, Game of Thrones alum Jacob Anderson has replaced Pitt as Louis de Pointe du Lac, whereas Lestat de Lioncourt will be essayed by Sam Reid, replacing Tom Cruise. The series, based on early reviews, is an updated version told through a modern lens. There are already a few disgruntled fans who have voiced their displeasure at the fact that a black actor has been cast in a lead role to depict a white plantation owner from the 18th century. Regardless of how the series will be perceived by audiences by the end of the first season, if it is able to capture the essence of gothic horror from the original novels, the vampire genre could yet make its glorious comeback on television. While True Blood and The Vampire Diaries did attain popularity over the past decade, they lacked a degree of gothic aesthetic that one would expect from the genre. And Castlevania being an animated series has relegated itself to a niche audience. Interview with the Vampire promises the return of a cult classic story in addition to stunning visuals, and its success or failure could be detrimental to whether gothic horror has a place in modern film and television.