Metamorphosis (2007)

Director:

Jenö Hodi

Writers:

Tibor Fonyódi (writer)
Jenö Hodi (writer)

Genre:

Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

What lurks on the other side of mortality?

Plot:

In the Seventeenth Century, while Hungary is fighting the Turks, the population of a small village in...

Plot Keywords:

Metamorphosis | Supernatural | Vampire

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Christopher Lambert	...	Constantine
Corey Sevier	...	Keith
Irena A. Hoffman	...	Elizabeth (Present Day)
Charlie Hollway	...	J.J.
Jennifer Higham	...	Kim
András Kern	...	Brother Alexis
Florentine Lahme	...	Sabine
Zolee Ganxsta	...	Igor
Anja Kruse	...	Sister Catherine
Gábor Koncz	...	Count Thurzo
Adél Kováts	...	Elizabeth Bathory
Lukács Bicskey	...	Tough Local
Gyözö Szabó	...	Priest
Jenö Hodi	...	Crater Faced Man
Vilmos Kolba	...	Monastery Monk

Runtime:

USA:105 min

Country:

Germany | Hungary | UK | Austria | Canada

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Germany:12 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Austria

Company:

CinePartners Entertainment

Love quest in eternal life

Perhaps when I watched Metamorphosis I happened to be in the right romantic mood. I liked it, though the story should have been more deepened on the dramatic side.

This is not one of the horror films, as it is recommended. Unlike average vampire movies, this film does not center upon fangs or bloody images. Its focus is not on horror, and if you expect gore you₼re setting yourself for disappointment. The main focus of the film is upon character and upon exploring the world beyond death.

The film could have had the chance of being a runner-up to Interview with a Vampire, had it benefited from a larger budget, a better technical crew and less commercial appetite.

While flawed in many areas (epic, acting, and sound track except the piano part) Metamorphosis is worth watching. I liked the humane way in which the film was dealt with. The idea was good. The film presents real human emotions through the surreal world of vampires. Young Elisabeth has a lonely eternity to hollow in, until she meets Keith and falls in love. An impossible love doomed to be hunted by vampire slayers.

The conflict between the evil vampire (Constantine) and the humane one (Elisabeth) is the most spectacular part of the film. Lambert is great as Constantine (his lines have really some twisted humor), and makes him fun to watch. Irena A. Hoffman (young Elisabeth) conveys a charm that fits her character perfectly. She was able to hold her own against Lambert, and often stole the scene. Much to my surprise I read she is of Romanian origin, so all the more familiar with the Bathory legend. The piano musical theme suited her beauty and frailty. I think Irena also did a good job in saving this film, otherwise a bit poor on acting.

The Hungarian and German actors share little screen time but enough to make their characters wholesome. Keith₼s character was also believable, though Sevier overplays his performance a little as if struggling to come into the spotlight. As for Kim and J.J., they kept reminding me of hot dogs and Coke in an atmosphere of castles and historical past. Not a good idea at all to have them around, they block your getting into the Gothic mood.

To sum up, if you have intent for a drama based around vampires, then you will enjoy this film. My vote is seven and a plus for beautiful Elisabeth.