Being borderline obsessed with all things even remotely connected with vampires and Gothic art, I was thrilled when I heard "Queen of the Damned" had been made into a movie. If it was anything like "Interview with the Vampire" (which was pretty darn good, even though there might have been some deviations from the book), it had to be good stuff. For all those Anne Rice fans out there, prepare to be sorely disappointed. Better yet, save yourself the pain and just avoid this film altogether. Then again, if drastic plot reworkings are your thing - go right ahead. But if you are expecting the cinematic brilliance and glamor of "Interview" or "Bram Stoker's Dracula," forget it! First off, the casting director should be shot. Obviously he/she is completely unfamiliar with the vivid world of vampires and creatures of the night lovingly crafted by Anne Rice. Marius and Pandora are grotesque parodies of the stunning characters in the books. Armand is a joke. Stuart Townsend and Aaliyah were the only saving grace - however, Aaliyah (gorgeous though she is) commands none of presence and authority of the vampire queen. The special effects make me want to watch Ghoulies 3 all over again. Second, although this would have been a challenging screenplay for anyone to write, the writer does a useless job of establishing the characters and their motives. For those who have never read the books, it's like being thrown into the final act of an intricate detective plot - there's no establishment of characters, plot, or intent. Marius and Armand have always fascinated me - I wanted to cry after I watched this film...from frustration. Enough said. Do yourself a favor and avoid this sad piece of celluloid. Until someone (once again) treats Anne Rice with the respect she deserves. Len Wiseman, James McTeigue, Zack Snyder, Gore Verbinski....are you listening???
Reviews
6 Reviews
Fantasia 2000
(1999)
Amazing - a must-see for anyone who likes music!
9 October 2002
I have always been partial to Disney, no matter what rotten stories I've come across in various magazines and books. The genius of the man has left its mark on the world of animation. Fantasia, in particular, has fascinated me for years. The idea of interpreting music through animation - it is so beautiful.
I haven't been lucky enough to watch the original Fantasia...though I certainly intend to someday. But, I did watch Fantasia 2000. It's so wonderful - every single second of it! So many themes and story plots woven between the works of renowned composers! And, the drawing styles vary too - from the classic Disney sketches in The Firebird and The Sorcerer's Apprentice, to the scatty scribbles in Rhapsody in Blue, and the abstract butterfly shapes in Beethoven's Symphony No.5 in C Minor. The pictures capture the dynamism and feel of the music...it's such a beautiful translation of the piece.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is wondering whether to watch it. Put your prejudices and so on aside. Just sit back, and open your mind to the visual interpretations of these lovely compositions. It's hard to choose a favourite, but I really like Rhapsody in Blue. In fact, I can't think of the music, without seeing the images in my minds' eye.
Don't miss this, if you can help it.
I haven't been lucky enough to watch the original Fantasia...though I certainly intend to someday. But, I did watch Fantasia 2000. It's so wonderful - every single second of it! So many themes and story plots woven between the works of renowned composers! And, the drawing styles vary too - from the classic Disney sketches in The Firebird and The Sorcerer's Apprentice, to the scatty scribbles in Rhapsody in Blue, and the abstract butterfly shapes in Beethoven's Symphony No.5 in C Minor. The pictures capture the dynamism and feel of the music...it's such a beautiful translation of the piece.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is wondering whether to watch it. Put your prejudices and so on aside. Just sit back, and open your mind to the visual interpretations of these lovely compositions. It's hard to choose a favourite, but I really like Rhapsody in Blue. In fact, I can't think of the music, without seeing the images in my minds' eye.
Don't miss this, if you can help it.
Shadow of the Vampire
(2000)
Do I laugh, cry or shudder?
29 July 2002
This is probably one of the few movies that portrays a formidable vampire as a helpless character, at the mercy of a ruthless human. I couldn't help feeling sorry for Max Schreck, even though he did have his intimidating moments. I can't believe that Dafoe didn't get the Oscar for his performance!
Murnau's vampire is completely different from the stereotype depiction of the vampire as seductive, beautiful, erotic and chilling. His appearance is almost comical, even though it sends shivers up your spine if you are watching him late at night all alone at home. In spite of his grotesqueness, you can't help feeling sorry for the 'man behind the monster' - he longs for simple pleasures (like watching a sunrise), and companionship. The director, on the other hand, exploits Schreck's vulnerabilities - much as he does the rest of his crew - and is willing to go to any lengths to get his perfect movie.
I'd reccommend that anyone who watches this film also browses through www.plume-noire.com/movies/cult/nosferatu.html. Mr. Thom's analyses of Nosferatu and Shadow of The Vampire are exhaustive, and helped me appreciate this film to a greater extent.
Murnau's vampire is completely different from the stereotype depiction of the vampire as seductive, beautiful, erotic and chilling. His appearance is almost comical, even though it sends shivers up your spine if you are watching him late at night all alone at home. In spite of his grotesqueness, you can't help feeling sorry for the 'man behind the monster' - he longs for simple pleasures (like watching a sunrise), and companionship. The director, on the other hand, exploits Schreck's vulnerabilities - much as he does the rest of his crew - and is willing to go to any lengths to get his perfect movie.
I'd reccommend that anyone who watches this film also browses through www.plume-noire.com/movies/cult/nosferatu.html. Mr. Thom's analyses of Nosferatu and Shadow of The Vampire are exhaustive, and helped me appreciate this film to a greater extent.
The Man Who Cried
(2000)
A really beautiful film
27 July 2002
I did not know what to expect when I watched this film. What I did not anticipate, was that it would be so poignantly moving...very few films can actually reach out and involve the viewer to such an extent. There are many words that come to mind - haunting, sad, sweet, poetic...yet none of them capture the true essence of The Man Who Cried.
Sally Potter has done a wonderful job. This film suggests - it never really comes out and blatantly states. The scene with Cate Blanchette in the swimming pool is particularly beautiful. This film is so visually appealing - the graceful lines, the shadows, the colours...and that wonderful haunting music. Ms. Potter takes you into the minds of her characters, while the story floats and drifts around you in a collage of beautiful rich tones. She doesn't attempt to conceal the ugly face of war, but does not depict explicit violence as so many other directors do.
Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci are perfectly cast - unusual roles for both. They bring depth, intensity and meaning to their characters. Unlike Sleepy Hollow, this film is gentle and strong at once, while retaining something of the same gothic charm. Cate Balnchette also surprised me with her very unusual portrayal of Lola.
I would watch this movie all over again...and again...and again!
Sally Potter has done a wonderful job. This film suggests - it never really comes out and blatantly states. The scene with Cate Blanchette in the swimming pool is particularly beautiful. This film is so visually appealing - the graceful lines, the shadows, the colours...and that wonderful haunting music. Ms. Potter takes you into the minds of her characters, while the story floats and drifts around you in a collage of beautiful rich tones. She doesn't attempt to conceal the ugly face of war, but does not depict explicit violence as so many other directors do.
Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci are perfectly cast - unusual roles for both. They bring depth, intensity and meaning to their characters. Unlike Sleepy Hollow, this film is gentle and strong at once, while retaining something of the same gothic charm. Cate Balnchette also surprised me with her very unusual portrayal of Lola.
I would watch this movie all over again...and again...and again!
Tous les matins du monde
(1991)
Haunting and beautiful
4 March 2002
This is a beautiful movie - everything about it lingers on after you watch it. The music in particular...deep, sweet and sad. Gerard Depardieu is perfect as the ambitious and opportunistic talented viol musician. Alain Corneau makes his viewers feel as if they are right there, in every scene, experiencing the same emotions. Monsieur de Sainte Colombe chooses to live his life as a hermit, shut away from the artificiality and glamour of the royal court. His dedication to his dead wife and the music that he loves are the only things that keep him going. A strict disciplinarian, he forces his daughters to follow the example he has set them, and perhaps this is the reason for Madeleine's later sadness.
All in all, I felt that the film was a touching tribute to the sadness and grief that make true love so beautiful.
All in all, I felt that the film was a touching tribute to the sadness and grief that make true love so beautiful.
The Clock
(1945)
Unrealistic...but, magical!
4 March 2002
The Clock is one of my favourite movies of all time. I had no idea what to expect the first time I saw it - and it charmed me completely.
If you stop to think about it, the plot seems very unrealistic. Who would fall in love and marry someone they've known for less than 48 hrs?? But, if you just sit back and let the storyline float around you like soft music, it washes your skepticism away. Robert Walker and Judy Garland are great together; there's a strong, almost palpable, chemistry between them, that you don't find in many movies. Vincente Minnelli balances humourous and impulsive sequences, with intense and very personal moments - like the park by moonlight.Parts of this film remind me of Waterloo Bridge, except that the characters in The Clock appear to be more convincing and gentle.
If you haven't seen The Clock, I suggest you try it. It's like a secret romantic fantasy come true.
If you stop to think about it, the plot seems very unrealistic. Who would fall in love and marry someone they've known for less than 48 hrs?? But, if you just sit back and let the storyline float around you like soft music, it washes your skepticism away. Robert Walker and Judy Garland are great together; there's a strong, almost palpable, chemistry between them, that you don't find in many movies. Vincente Minnelli balances humourous and impulsive sequences, with intense and very personal moments - like the park by moonlight.Parts of this film remind me of Waterloo Bridge, except that the characters in The Clock appear to be more convincing and gentle.
If you haven't seen The Clock, I suggest you try it. It's like a secret romantic fantasy come true.
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