As mentioned in previous posts, I am by no means a film critic. nor will I ever be, but seeing as I’m really ill today it’s the perfect opportunity to watching endless television and movies. Turns out on this dreary London day, I’ve chosen to watch everything vampire related. What began as an innocent ‘one episode’ of Buffy turned into a mini-marathon followed by deciding to watch The Hunger.

The film is about a vampire couple (David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve, who I’m pretty sure is perfect in everything). Now this 1983 Tony Scott film isn’t exactly one that will blow everyone away, but I think it’s worth the watch just for the music and sound alone.

The first scene is a performance of Bauhaus’ ‘Bela Lugosi’s Dead,’ and it’s just about the most atmospheric opening to a film I have seen in a long time. I’m massively convinced that Peter Murphy is a vampire himself. The performance from him in the beginning is completely stunning. Why wasn’t Murphy in it longer? Can he please have his own vampire movie?

The rest of the story can be both incredibly depressing and thoughtful. I picked this film on the whim because Bowie was supposed to be involved. And he is – sort of. He was turned by Miriam (Deneuve) over 200 years ago where he begins to rapidly age. They turn to the help of gerontologist Dr. Sarah Roberts, played by a delightfully effective Susan Sarandon.

Broken promises, addiction, and suffering are intriguing themes that run throughout the plot. These moments are usually heightened rather unusually through the use of a repetitive sound that is almost reptilian.  The effect is amazing – it creates a fantastic  sensation of your skin crawling. Beyond the gothic nature of the story and aesthetics, there are a number of hauntingly beautiful arrangements of classical music throughout. The highlight is the Bowie’s miming of the cello solo sonata in G by Bach (actually performed by Raphael Wallfisch). 

Although the film is by no means incredible (I’m more of a werewolf girl myself), it’s worth a watch just to hear and see music so beautifully paired to the story on the screen.

“There is no release, my darling.”

If you are looking for a good writer about film and television, though. Read my fellow writer and classmate’s blog here at Corleones & Lannisters.