You should all know by now that I’m a fan of the cold (but hot) fangy ones, so it should come as no surprise that I’ve lined up a vampire post this Horror October. What might come as a surprise, however, is that you may have missed some of these vampire films. Silly you!
They have the three S’s in common; sexy, seductive, and stylish to boot.
1. The Hunger (1983)
Miriam, a centuries-old vampire, preys on urban clubgoers with her vampire lover John. When John suddenly ages and wastes away, Miriam casts her spell upon Sarah, a doctor who researches premature aging. This neo-Gothic exercise in style and atmosphere is perhaps most widely known for a lesbian sex scene involving Miriam and Sarah, played by Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon. (IMDB)
I’m genuinely shocked every time someone looks at me blankly when I mention this film, considering the strength of the cast. I mean, Bowie..hello! Tony Scott’s The Hunger is more 80’s than the 80’s, and a bit of mind-fuck, but what it lacks in plot, it makes up for in smoke machines and mood lighting. It’s worth it for the leather alone.
2. Kiss of the Damned (2012)
The vampire Djuna resists the advances of Paolo, but soon gives in to their passion. When her trouble-making sister unexpectedly comes to visit, Djuna’s love is threatened, and the whole vampire community becomes endangered.
You can be forgiven for thinking that date is wrong and this film is actually a Hammer Horror offering from the seventies. Clearly that’s what they were going for, and they do it successfully. Like the classic Hammer Horror’s of old, Kiss of the Damned has a dubious, thin plot. But, who needs a good plot when you have leads who are vampires in the shape of French models and Peter Petrelli. Unlike the classics however, Kiss of the Damned has some pretty kinky, graphic sex. Fit!
3. The Addiction (1995)
I remember watching this allegorical little vampire story in my bedroom at my parents house when I was definitely supposed to be sleeping, not watching films inappropriate for my age. I remember thinking how awful it was, but I was transfixed none-the-less. Even then, I knew this was pretentiousness at its best, but now I can at least appreciate the philosophical elements of it a little more. Plus, I will always appreciate Christopher Walken’s haircut. For the LOLZ.
4. Frostbiten (2006)
The extensive IMDB synopsis for this Swedish film is Vampires terrorize a city in Norrbotten. Thanks IMDB.
When you think Swedish vampire film, you probably think Let The Right One In, but this effort came two years prior to that and is much more enjoyable in my opinion. I mean, I liked LTROI but it was a bit artsy fartsy for my liking. Frostbite, has it all. It’s funny, stylish, gorey, and the effects aint too shabby either. Seriously, give it a whirl, it’s a riot.
5. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
A depressed musician reunites with his lover, though their romance – which has already endured several centuries – is disrupted by the arrival of uncontrollable younger sister.
I can’t really be angry at those of you who haven’t seen this one because I haven’t either. But I fully intend to remedy that ASAP! It sounds like it has all the elements of a vampy cult classic. And that’s just because of the amazing Tilda Swinton.
Do you have any favorite underrated Vampire movies to add to the list?
