Chrono's Horror Movie Marathon Week 3: VAMPIRES

[ChronoGrl]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/vampires_zps938633cf.jpg


All right Girls and Goons... Next week will celebrate ANOTHER iconic monster... One that has come in MANY forms over the years (most recently *ahem* sparkly)... I used to have an utter LOVE for vampires and the tales of Dracula and Vlad the Impaler... But recently I have been interested in different retellings of the tale (Byzantium, for example was epic and excellent)...

My viewing list for next week contains three such movies that stray from the Dracula archetype...

Vampyr (1932) - Thank you to a fb friend for bringing this to my attention - I was originally going to rewatch Nosferatu (which is utterly stunning, creepy, and incredible), but I've decided to go with something I haven't seen before. Viewing time will be Sunday, September 28th at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Interview with the Vampire (1994) - This I have to rewatch. I haven't seen it since I've been in middle school and at the time I was OBSESSED with this movie. I am honestly curious as to how well it aged and if it can still capture me. Viewing time will be Tuesday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) - This one has been on my radar for a while now; I've heard nothing but good things and I cannot WAIT to see it. Viewing time will be Thursday, October 2nd, at 8:00 p.m.EST (I hope that going back to the 8:00 time still works!)

For those of you who may want to participate remotely - Do you have Skype? It's just a free download away AND will support video and non-video chat. Just a thought to replace meetings.io.


For those of you who can't participate OR would rather watch something else... What's your favorite Vampire movie? What would YOU watch during Vampire week? Can't wait to hear about this topic especially.

[newb]

WTF...no Twilight



This sucks

[neverending]

What? No London After Midnight?


This really really sucks.

[roshiq]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/vampires_zps938633cf.jpg

Vampyr (1932) - Thank you to a fb friend for bringing this to my attention - I was originally going to rewatch Nosferatu (which is utterly stunning, creepy, and incredible), but I've decided to go with something I haven't seen before. Viewing time will be Sunday, September 28th at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Interview with the Vampire (1994) - This I have to rewatch. I haven't seen it since I've been in middle school and at the time I was OBSESSED with this movie. I am honestly curious as to how well it aged and if it can still capture me. Viewing time will be Tuesday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) - This one has been on my radar for a while now; I've heard nothing but good things and I cannot WAIT to see it. Viewing time will be Thursday, October 2nd, at 8:00 p.m.EST (I hope that going back to the 8:00 time still works!)

For those of you who may want to participate remotely - Do you have Skype? It's just a free download away AND will support video and non-video chat. Just a thought to replace meetings.io.


For those of you who can't participate OR would rather watch something else... What's your favorite Vampire movie? What would YOU watch during Vampire week? Can't wait to hear about this topic especially.

This selection actually kinda sucks! Vampyr is a great flick and except that personally I've no interest to revisit or see the other 2 flicks. Seen Interview once and didn't like that much. And I've actually heard nothing but disappointing things about OLLA and particularly after V's recent review I've no interest on it.

Surprised to see you didn't pick LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, Martin, Shadow of the Vampire or Guillermo del Toro's Cronos!!

[The Villain]

Gotta say never seen any of these. I'm surprised you picked Interview though.

[hammerfan]

The only night I'll be able to participate is Thursday, and I'll watch my favorite Hammer Dracula movie, Taste the Blood of Dracula. I won't be able to participate on Sunday (Eagles start at 4:30) or Tuesday.

And, I watched Only Lovers Left Alive not too long ago. Suffered through it is a better description.

[ChronoGrl]

Wow guys.

[hammerfan]

Do you feel ganged up on? I felt it for you!

[Straker]

Vampyr: Absolutely love this movie. Bit slow and not exactly an easy watch, but so much style its well worth a watch. Aesthetically as good as anything.

Interview with the Vampire: I have a bit of a soft spot for the over acted, camp vampire flicks of the 90s. A few great acting performances from Dunst, Rea & Cruise then a few that are just far too cheesy, like Banderas & Pitt.... The whole homoerotic subtext is so pronounced that its laughable at times. A little subtlety might have made the movie a bit less cheesy, but probably not half as entertaining. If you look passed what its lacking though, its actually a really nicely shot gothic/ romantic horror with a decent story... In short, I think its a good flick.

The main reason I wouldn't really recommend it though, is that Bram Stoker's Dracula ('92) does everything a little better. There are some stronger acting performances (Oldman) some more ludicrously hammy acting performances (Reeves) and overall its just a more opulent, camp, visceral and beautifully shot flick. And its got Cary Elwes in it, so what more do you want?

Mostly agree with Roshiq's suggestions too, some great flicks there that play around with a genre that falls into cliché far too often.

[metternich1815]

I am really excited about the Sunday viewing, I have been wanting to see Vampyr for a long while, I actually purchased it a couple of months ago, but did not watch it. From what I have heard, it is an absolute classic and a must-see

As for Interview with the Vampire, I mean I like it, but there are many other vampire films that are so much better. I know that you want to visit it because you were obsessed with it, but maybe you could replace it with one that you have not seen. I mean it's up to you, it's just a suggestion. I do think it is a solid film and I love that alot of the setting is in New Orleans because I love that city (went there for vacation this past July).

As for Only Lovers Left Alive, I have no real opinion of it. The cover makes me think it is not good, but covers can sometimes be misleading (though some of the people here seem to think it is quite dreadful). I will watch it though, if it is kept. Maybe I will like it. You have mentioned that you have heard many good things about it. Strangely, I have heard absolutely nothing about it until now, good or bad.

If you do decide in favor of a replacement or replacements, I would like to second what some of the posters above have said. You should consider adding a Hammer film, Horror of Dracula is really highly reviewed one, which I know you mentioned before wanting to see. That would be a good selection. I know you seen it a long time before, but the original Nosferatu would be another good selection (which I know you originally had). The remake to Nosferatu (1979) would also be an excellent selection. I know you have never seen it and it is quite magnificent, in my opinion. I would also recommend the original Dracula, though I know that is another one you have already seen, though I am sure it has been a while.

Roshiq made some excellent suggestions as well, Martin would probably be really hard to get though.

[ChronoGrl]

And I've actually heard nothing but disappointing things about OLLA and particularly after V's recent review I've no interest on it.

Don't care; with the exception of V and HF, I've only heard good things. And, even if that wasn't the case, I am still desperately interested in it.


LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, Martin, Shadow of the Vampire or Guillermo del Toro's Cronos!!

Saw it (loved it), still need to see it, saw it (was disappointed), and saw it (thought it was just OK)



Gotta say never seen any of these. I'm surprised you picked Interview though.

It's more of a tribute to preteen Chrono. I was really really into vampires at the time and had consumed a HUGE variety of Dracula-themed films (Bela Legosi's, Frank Langella's, Gary Oldman's to name a few), so when I went to see Interview at the movies, it seriously BLEW. MY. MIND. It was the first time that I had seen a retelling of the vampire mythos that strayed from The Count and I was absolutely swept up in its epic romanticism... I'm pretty sure I haven't seen it since I was twelve, so I'm using this marathon to pay tribute to little vampire-obsessed me. Also, I am honestly just curious as to what Adult Chrono will think - Will I roll my eyes? Will I yawn? Will I still SWOON at Brad Pitt?? I can't wait to find out!


Vampyr: Absolutely love this movie. Bit slow and not exactly an easy watch, but so much style its well worth a watch. Aesthetically as good as anything.

Interview with the Vampire: I have a bit of a soft spot for the over acted, camp vampire flicks of the 90s. A few great acting performances from Dunst, Rea & Cruise then a few that are just far too cheesy, like Banderas & Pitt.... The whole homoerotic subtext is so pronounced that its laughable at times. A little subtlety might have made the movie a bit less cheesy, but probably not half as entertaining. If you look passed what its lacking though, its actually a really nicely shot gothic/ romantic horror with a decent story... In short, I think its a good flick.

The main reason I wouldn't really recommend it though, is that Bram Stoker's Dracula ('92) does everything a little better. There are some stronger acting performances (Oldman) some more ludicrously hammy acting performances (Reeves) and overall its just a more opulent, camp, visceral and beautifully shot flick. And its got Cary Elwes in it, so what more do you want?

Mostly agree with Roshiq's suggestions too, some great flicks there that play around with a genre that falls into cliché far too often.

Oh, I absolutely LOOOOOOOVED Bram Stoker's Dracula too - I just think that preteen me just connected more with Interview, which is why I chose it as a self-tribute.

That being SAID, it doesn't mean I WON'T be watching Bram Stoker's Dracula this week... I really really want to revisit it - It's on Netflix Instant which makes it easy for me to watch at my leisure.


I am really excited about the Sunday viewing, I have been wanting to see Vampyr for a long while, I actually purchased it a couple of months ago, but did not watch it. From what I have heard, it is an absolute classic and a must-see

As for Interview with the Vampire, I mean I like it, but there are many other vampire films that are so much better. I know that you want to visit it because you were obsessed with it, but maybe you could replace it with one that you have not seen. I mean it's up to you, it's just a suggestion. I do think it is a solid film and I love that alot of the setting is in New Orleans because I love that city (went there for vacation this past July).

As for Only Lovers Left Alive, I have no real opinion of it. The cover makes me think it is not good, but covers can sometimes be misleading (though some of the people here seem to think it is quite dreadful). I will watch it though, if it is kept. Maybe I will like it. You have mentioned that you have heard many good things about it. Strangely, I have heard absolutely nothing about it until now, good or bad.

If you do decide in favor of a replacement or replacements, I would like to second what some of the posters above have said. You should consider adding a Hammer film, Horror of Dracula is really highly reviewed one, which I know you mentioned before wanting to see. That would be a good selection. I know you seen it a long time before, but the original Nosferatu would be another good selection (which I know you originally had). The remake to Nosferatu (1979) would also be an excellent selection. I know you have never seen it and it is quite magnificent, in my opinion. I would also recommend the original Dracula, though I know that is another one you have already seen, though I am sure it has been a while.

Roshiq made some excellent suggestions as well, Martin would probably be really hard to get though.

If you don't want to see them - No worries! Watch something that you haven't seen and/or something that you just love! Honestly, I'm loving all movie talk relating to the weekly theme, even if it's not something that I'm watching.


...


By the way, guys - Waking up and checking into HDC first thing in the morning to be confronted by 3X YOUR MOVIES SUCK... Kinda sucked, especially coming from folks who have not, cannot, or have no interest in participating in these viewings at all in the first place.

When I was considering movies for this marathon, I knew there were a few routes I could go - The "Popular" choices, the "Classic" choices, or just movies that I personally wanted to watch. Sure, sometimes there was overlap (obviously with Frankenstein and The Wolf Man weeks) but with this time around, it was a bit of a struggle siding with "Popular/Classic" choices vs. movies that I just want to watch next week - I went with the latter because, despite what you may think of these movies, I just really really want to see Interview and Only Lovers Left Alive.

What I've liked about these threads (the Frankenstein thread in particular), is that people have taken it as an opportunity to talk about and/or watch other movies within that theme and then talk about them - So you may not have interest in watching these movies - Watch a different vampire-themed movie and post about it!

I look forward to seeing/discussing what everyone is watching this week.

Newb, in particular, I look forward to your rousing dissertation on Twilight.

[metternich1815]

If you don't want to see them - No worries! Watch something that you haven't seen and/or something that you just love! Honestly, I'm loving all movie talk relating to the weekly theme, even if it's not something that I'm watching.

It's not so much that I do not want to see them, I was just recommending alternatives that would be good for you to see or consider. Don't take it the wrong way or anything, this is your thing, you get to decide what the films for the week are. I and the other posters here, whether it is realized or not by some, can only make personal recommendations. No, I am totally fine with watching them as part of your event. I love the whole watching the same thing at the same time thing. I think it is cool.

[horcrux2007]

I'd give Interview with the Vampire a 7/10.

It's the first time I've watched it since I was 7 years old. I guess it's alright; vampires have never been my favorite movie monsters, so maybe that's why I wasn't "wowed".

[metternich1815]

On a lighter note, yes, I agree. We are going to have to force ChronoGrl to see some Hammer. It is unforgivable, especially since she is close friends with someone with the username hammerfan. Just to be clear, I am only kidding around with you, ChronoGrl. But, you do need to see some Hammer...lol

[hammerfan]

I've already told her I'm coming to MA, tying her to a chair, and force-feeding her some Hammer movies ::stick out tongue::

[neverending]

By the way, guys - Waking up and checking into HDC first thing in the morning to be confronted by 3X YOUR MOVIES SUCK... Kinda sucked, especially coming from folks who have not, cannot, or have no interest in participating in these viewings at all in the first place.


Newb was joking and so was I. The film I mentioned is a lost film that no one has ever seen, ever. Lighten up and LAUGH A LITTLE BIT!

[ChronoGrl]

I was actually just wondering to myself why I have such a blindspot for Hammer Films... Just as I had a blindspot for 80's films...

Oddly enough I think it comes down to my parents...

My dad LOVED a lot of the old black and white horror and scifi movies... Through him I saw the majority of the Universal horror films (Dracula, Frankenstein, Mummy, Creature), along with Vincent Price movies (House on Haunted Hill) or other creepies like the original 13 Ghosts and The Innocents... For scifi he introduced me to Thing from Another World, the original Fly, The Incredible Shrinking Man the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the like...

So I was wondering, How is it that I've seen so many of what people consider "classic" horror films but I have a blindspot for Hammer? I think that maybe my parents just didn't like Hammer. It's not that I specifically avoided it or that they told me they weren't good movies - I was just never introduced to them and never sought them out.

Same thing with 80s horror - I distinctly remember my Dad saying of The Fly, The Thing, AND the Invasion of the Body Snatchers remakes, "Yes, they remade those movies, but they weren't very good..." So it took me a while to FINALLY watch the remakes - I LOVE The Thing, and The Fly (still need to see Body Snatchers though)...

And I'm pretty sure that he did NOT like slashers... While he showed me the Alien movies, he avoided Halloween, Black Christmas, and etc.

As for my Mom, well, she could suffer through the classics BUT couldn't watch more modern horror - Hated being scared.

Anyway - It's not that I've specifically avoided Hammer Films; I think that that's why they've never really been on my radar.


Newb was joking and so was I. The film I mentioned is a lost film that no one has ever seen, ever. Lighten up and LAUGH A LITTLE BIT!

Newb's didn't bother me (made me chuckle)... And oddly enough, yours not as much because it was an amusing follow-up to his comment PLUS you're usually an ornery old coot, so it was in-character. ::stick out tongue::

[hammerfan]

"Back in the day" Hammer movies were considered very "sexy". Maybe that's what your Dad didn't like? A total guess on my part.

[The Villain]

I'm sure I'll get some ridicule over my choice of movies for my marathon as well. Especially with my next selection

[hammerfan]

I'm sure I'll get some ridicule over my choice of movies for my marathon as well. Especially with my next selection

Now you have me curious! ::wink::

[The Villain]

Now you have me curious! ::wink::

They're just not what anyone would call classic movies. I'm not trying to do a marathon of the best. Just what I want to watch which is what Chrono's doing as well I'm sure.

[Straker]

Hammer movies were on the TV so much when I was growing up it was hard to miss them. My parents really never had an issue with me watching horror and most of my early horror memories are watching horror flicks with my folks. Mostly hammer, amicus, old ghost stories, that kind of thing.

I don't really like recommending movies to people, because everyone has their own tastes, but its a shame for any horror fan to miss out on a bit of hammer. Such a unique style, great acting, directing, atmosphere and familiar casts that make them a genre all of its own. Peter Cushing is and always will be the epitome of cool to me.

[ChronoGrl]

"Back in the day" Hammer movies were considered very "sexy". Maybe that's what your Dad didn't like? A total guess on my part.

OMG!! Maybe that's why - LOL!!

[metternich1815]

I'm sure I'll get some ridicule over my choice of movies for my marathon as well. Especially with my next selection

Now you have me curious! ::wink::

They're just not what anyone would call classic movies. I'm not trying to do a marathon of the best. Just what I want to watch which is what Chrono's doing as well I'm sure.

I'm really curious now too.

[newb]

Newb's didn't bother me (made me chuckle).

this is what I do....make woman chuckle

and not always when I want them to

[Sculpt]

this is what I do....make woman chuckle

and not always when I want them to
Ya, Newb, like Billy says, "leave a tender moment alone".

[ChronoGrl]

Hammer movies were on the TV so much when I was growing up it was hard to miss them. My parents really never had an issue with me watching horror and most of my early horror memories are watching horror flicks with my folks. Mostly hammer, amicus, old ghost stories, that kind of thing.

I don't really like recommending movies to people, because everyone has their own tastes, but its a shame for any horror fan to miss out on a bit of hammer. Such a unique style, great acting, directing, atmosphere and familiar casts that make them a genre all of its own. Peter Cushing is and always will be the epitome of cool to me.

It'll happen. Again, it's not that I'm avoiding them purposefully. I wish that they were streaming, though - Prior to this marathon I was watching the majority of my movies on Netflix Instant.

[The Bloofer Lady]

So I was pleased to see I can watch Vampyr off of YouTube.

[ChronoGrl]

Interview haters rejoice!

I don't think that the DVD will come in time for Tuesday so the option is spend money to rent it OR watch Bram Stoker's, which is on Netflix Instant streaming.

I think I'll go with the latter since I've been wanting to see that again anyway. I'll still send away for interview as long as it doesn't get in the way of other viewings.

I'm going to assume that that's OK with everybody. ::wink::

[hammerfan]

Interview haters rejoice!

I don't think that the DVD will come in time for Tuesday so the option is spend money to rent it OR watch Bram Stoker's, which is on Netflix Instant streaming.

I think I'll go with the latter since I've been wanting to see that again anyway. I'll still send away for interview as long as it doesn't get in the way of other viewings.

I'm going to assume that that's OK with everybody. ::wink::

I may be able to join you after all on Tuesday. And, I own the DVD of Bram Stoker's Dracula! Are we still doing 7:00? Or, was that a one-time deal?

[ChronoGrl]

I may be able to join you after all on Tuesday. And, I own the DVD of Bram Stoker's Dracula! Are we still doing 7:00? Or, was that a one-time deal?

Oh sweet! We can watch it together! Is 7:00 still ok with you?

[hammerfan]

Oh sweet! We can watch it together! Is 7:00 still ok with you?

7:00 is perfect! Better than 8:00 for me. I have an old lady bedtime, too. Especially on a "school night". I get up at 5:30 for work. ::big grin::

[ChronoGrl]

I have an old lady bedtime too! Staying up for last week's killed me! Haha

[metternich1815]

Interview haters rejoice!

I don't think that the DVD will come in time for Tuesday so the option is spend money to rent it OR watch Bram Stoker's, which is on Netflix Instant streaming.

I think I'll go with the latter since I've been wanting to see that again anyway. I'll still send away for interview as long as it doesn't get in the way of other viewings.

I'm going to assume that that's OK with everybody. ::wink::

While I would have certainly been fine with Interview with the Vampire, I have to say that I absolutely love Bram Stoker's Dracula. I will definitely be looking forward to the Tuesday viewing at 7.

[horcrux2007]

I have an old lady bedtime too! Staying up for last week's killed me! Haha

If it's 9 o clock, I'm with ya.

[hammerfan]

If it's 9 o clock, I'm with ya.

Too late for us old folks! ::stick out tongue::

[hammerfan]

While I would have certainly been fine with Interview with the Vampire, I have to say that I absolutely love Bram Stoker's Dracula. I will definitely be looking forward to the Tuesday viewing at 7.

Do we want to do Facebook chat again? Seems to work best when it's just the 3 of us.

[The Villain]

Interview haters rejoice!

I don't think that the DVD will come in time for Tuesday so the option is spend money to rent it OR watch Bram Stoker's, which is on Netflix Instant streaming.

I think I'll go with the latter since I've been wanting to see that again anyway. I'll still send away for interview as long as it doesn't get in the way of other viewings.

I'm going to assume that that's OK with everybody. ::wink::

Not a fan of that one. Love Oldmans performance but the rest of the movie is too over the top for me

[metternich1815]

Do we want to do Facebook chat again? Seems to work best when it's just the 3 of us.

Yes, that would be great. I might have missed this, but don't you have shows on Tuesdays?

[ChronoGrl]

If it's 9 o clock, I'm with ya.

Sweet! I'll toast you with some warm milk! ::wink::



Do we want to do Facebook chat again? Seems to work best when it's just the 3 of us.

Yeah, let's do that; probably for the best.

[horcrux2007]

Too late for us old folks! ::stick out tongue::

That's still late for me. I usually go to sleep at 10 because homework, but I get tired at like 7 because I'm a swimmer.

[metternich1815]

Yeah, let's do that; probably for the best.

Will we just be doing the chat or will we be doing the meetings thing still?

[hammerfan]

Will we just be doing the chat or will we be doing the meetings thing still?

For me, chat works better. With the meetings thing, I can see/hear everyone else, but I can't participate. Kinda like being a stalker.

[Straker]

I should be around for tonights viewing. ::cool::

[ChronoGrl]

Wellllllllll - Potentially bad news... I'm out and not sure I'll be back by 5:00... It may come down to the wire orrrrrr I might need to start it at 6! Sorry!!! ::sad::

[ChronoGrl]

OK Boys and Ghouls - I'm cued up and ready to watch Vampyr!

I have never seen this film and I am psyched out of my mind.

Here is the meetings.io link - Please ping me if you'd rather chat via FB message.

http://m1.io/fw3MhCepLGk

Cheers!

[ChronoGrl]

Hey! I just saw someone join meetings.io - The connection seems AWFUL tonight - Can you see the chat button?

[Straker]

That was a fun.... was good chatting with you both. Shame we didn't get a bigger turn out. I'll try and make the Tuesday night Dracula too, its been a few years since I've watched it, and absolutely love that flick, so might have to pull a late one. Need to sort out why my mic wasn't working tonight too. ::confused::

[ChronoGrl]

Yes, that was a blast! I think the biggest turnouts so far have been:


Frankenstein '31 (with you, Mett, HF, Villain, & my friend Mike)
American Werewolf in London (four friends at my place plus HF & Mett online)


I think that Sundays are hard with American football and I know that Tuesdays and Thursdays are difficult too - But that's OK! I'm pleased that folks are showing up at all.



SO - I've updated this week's poster...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/vampires_zps362732b0.jpg



We started with Vampyr (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023649/?ref_=nv_sr_2) (1932) and, in short, I need to watch it again.

I decided to rent it streaming from Amazon and it was not a very good version at all (Mett had his webcam on and the version that I could watch on his computer was MUCH BETTER than what I had in my home. I think I'll have to buy the Criterion version because this movie was amazing. The images were striking and quite horrifying - A couple of things stand out to me:


The coffin POV as his body is being carried (dizzying and horrifying!)
And Léone's face when she wakes up and stares around the room
The shadow play throughout
The Vampyr book itself.


Really really compelling but I was ultimately distracted by the version I was watching (which had odd occasional dubbing) and messaging with Mett & Straker (that's on me; I should hold off on that until the end of the movie).

The POV shot I especially found incredible and ahead of its time.

I'd really love to hear other folk's thoughts - Thoughts on Vampyr... Thoughts on Nosferatu... Thoughts on early vampire flicks -

If you had three vampire movies to watch this week, what would you watch and why?

[Sculpt]

The shots in Vampyr are quite good. I see why it's notable. But I think it's not easy to watch - ya have to be wide awake, can be hard to get into and follow. A bad copy can jump around a bit too.

I was looking forward to Interview. Only saw it once, and maybe only part of it (wasn't my video).

With Bram Stoker... I really like all the Neo in the Drac' castle scenes. Coppola does a masterful job with those -- such amazing lighting, colors, shots and effects. I got really excited about the film there.

It's like two different films.

Everything else in the film really misses for me. I really don't like anything in England, nor do I like the entire ending. Drac is so different in England, & the two characterizations just don't link up at all for me. I even rather disliked all the interactions between Rider, her redheaded friend and Drac. I know he's the undead, but there was no life there for me. Besides the castle scenes, the story & heart just really seems to get lost.

If you had three vampire movies to watch this week, what would you watch and why?
The Brood
Interview with a Vampire
Martin
Salem's Lot

If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend:
Daybreakers - modern day, Ethan Hawke, good quality, bit sci-fi

[Straker]

@ Sculpt: Unless you're talking about a different 'The Brood' then its not a vampire flick, did you mean 'Rabid'? ::confused::

Anyway as for Vampyr I really like it. I think you need a good quality copy to appreciate it though, as its really all visual. The narrative is very disjointed and awkward to follow at times, but I think that just helps create that dream like flow. It all works together really well. But, its such a visual story that you really need a good copy to take it all in. I watched it on youtube last night and while it wasn't that bad, I would've much preferred to be watching Mett's version myself.

[Sculpt]

@ Sculpt: Unless you're talking about a different 'The Brood' then its not a vampire flick, did you mean 'Rabid'? ::confused::

Anyway as for Vampyr I really like it. I think you need a good quality copy to appreciate it though, as its really all visual. The narrative is very disjointed and awkward to follow at times, but I think that just helps create that dream like flow. It all works together really well. But, its such a visual story that you really need a good copy to take it all in. I watched it on youtube last night and while it wasn't that bad, I would've much preferred to be watching Mett's version myself.That's right, I mean Rabid, not The Brood. They're both 'symbolic social commentary', but Rabid is one I meant for vampire.

[ChronoGrl]

On - I actually thought you meant The Breed (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265104/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2). It's been a while since I've seen that one but I recall finding it atmospherically interesting.


The shots in Vampyr are quite good. I see why it's notable. But I think it's not easy to watch - ya have to be wide awake, can be hard to get into and follow. A bad copy can jump around a bit too.

I was looking forward to Interview. Only saw it once, and maybe only part of it (wasn't my video).

With Bram Stoker... I really like all the Neo in the Drac' castle scenes. Coppola does a masterful job with those -- such amazing lighting, colors, shots and effects. I got really excited about the film there.

It's like two different films.

Everything else in the film really misses for me. I really don't like anything in England, nor do I like the entire ending. Drac is so different in England, & the two characterizations just don't link up at all for me. I even rather disliked all the interactions between Rider, her redheaded friend and Drac. I know he's the undead, but there was no life there for me. Besides the castle scenes, the story & heart just really seems to get lost.


The Brood
Interview with a Vampire
Martin
Salem's Lot

If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend:
Daybreakers - modern day, Ethan Hawke, good quality, bit sci-fi

Yeah, I recall Neo DEFINITELY being the weakest part of Dracula (then again, I think I was too busy drooling over Gary Oldman - true story)... It'll be interesting to see it again. I remember it definitely having different tones from humorous to overdramatic - Either way, should be fun!

I have Interview on my queue, so hopefully I can check it out either Wednesday or next weekend (I also want to get Magic to participate with Villain).

I haven't seen Martin but I've been meaning to for a LONG time... And as for Salem's Lot I really loved the book - I'd actually like to read it again before seeing the movie.

Daybreakers was good, but uneven - I more liked the world they lived in than the actual story (and what the heck was Willem Dafoe doing there and what was he wearing???)

Those are solid choices! I'll toast you a bucket of popcorn!!

[Sculpt]

On - I actually thought you meant The Breed (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265104/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2). It's been a while since I've seen that one but I recall finding it atmospherically interesting.
The Breed looks interesting. Sounds a bit like DayBreakers.

Yeah, I recall Neo DEFINITELY being the weakest part of Dracula (then again, I think I was too busy drooling over Gary Oldman - true story)... It'll be interesting to see it again. I remember it definitely having different tones from humorous to overdramatic - Either way, should be fun!
I even like Reeves in the Dracula Castle scenes. I thought he worked as the straight laced character. Reminiscent of his character Dangerous Liaisons.

I have Interview on my queue, so hopefully I can check it out either Wednesday or next weekend (I also want to get Magic to participate with Villain).Is Interview with a Vampire in Netflix?

I haven't seen Martin but I've been meaning to for a LONG time... And as for Salem's Lot I really loved the book - I'd actually like to read it again before seeing the movie.I've been meaning to see it too. Directed by George A. Romero with very high reviews.

Daybreakers was good, but uneven - I more liked the world they lived in than the actual story (and what the heck was Willem Dafoe doing there and what was he wearing???)I really enjoyed it start to finish. Thought it was high quality, interesting with good actors.

[Straker]

Reeves acting is shockingly bad in Dracula. The most hammy, over the top acting performance of his career. It's a thing of beauty. The whole movie is just filled with excess. Acting, colours, camera work, set design, costumes. Every single detail is a step too far and really shouldn't work, but when you put it together its absolute class. It can go from being genuinely creepy to laugh out loud funny without missing a beat. The love story blends beauty and tragedy with something that you could barely get away with in a cheap midmorning melodrama. The whole movie is a contradiction and that's part of what makes it so special.... Looking forward to watching it. ::cool::

[metternich1815]

That was a fun.... was good chatting with you both. Shame we didn't get a bigger turn out. I'll try and make the Tuesday night Dracula too, its been a few years since I've watched it, and absolutely love that flick, so might have to pull a late one. Need to sort out why my mic wasn't working tonight too. ::confused::

Yes, I agree. It was very enjoyable, it's always cool to discuss with others that have the same passion as I for horror. Hope to see you then (which is today). I am glad to find someone else who really enjoys Bram Stoker's Dracula. By the way, I was curious where do you live? I was curious because I know that your time zone was off.

Yes, that was a blast! I think the biggest turnouts so far have been:


Frankenstein '31 (with you, Mett, HF, Villain, & my friend Mike)
American Werewolf in London (four friends at my place plus HF & Mett online)


I think that Sundays are hard with American football and I know that Tuesdays and Thursdays are difficult too - But that's OK! I'm pleased that folks are showing up at all.



SO - I've updated this week's poster...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/vampires_zps362732b0.jpg



We started with Vampyr (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023649/?ref_=nv_sr_2) (1932) and, in short, I need to watch it again.

I decided to rent it streaming from Amazon and it was not a very good version at all (Mett had his webcam on and the version that I could watch on his computer was MUCH BETTER than what I had in my home. I think I'll have to buy the Criterion version because this movie was amazing. The images were striking and quite horrifying - A couple of things stand out to me:


The coffin POV as his body is being carried (dizzying and horrifying!)
And Léone's face when she wakes up and stares around the room
The shadow play throughout
The Vampyr book itself.


Really really compelling but I was ultimately distracted by the version I was watching (which had odd occasional dubbing) and messaging with Mett & Straker (that's on me; I should hold off on that until the end of the movie).

The POV shot I especially found incredible and ahead of its time.

I'd really love to hear other folk's thoughts - Thoughts on Vampyr... Thoughts on Nosferatu... Thoughts on early vampire flicks -

If you had three vampire movies to watch this week, what would you watch and why?


Yeah, sometimes these things have good turnout, sometimes they don't. It's still cool that at least some people will be able to show up. I will probably be one of the more faithful watchers. And, I absolutely detest football and really most any sport.

As for Vampyr, I was literally so distracted by everything going on at my house at the time, that I cannot really comment on it. The only thing I really remember was the POV shots at the end. They were very well done. Definitely need to watch it again this week. Yeah, my version was really good, like we discussed, Criterion releases usually are. They don't have a blu-ray release yet of this film strangely.

It has been a while since I have seen the original Nosferatu, so I cannot go into great detail on that, but I remember being highly impressed by it. It had a beautiful atmosphere and Count Orlok was quite creepy even by today's standards. Both the acting by Max Schrek and the direction by Murneau were high-quality. Definitely a must-watch and it is on Netflix Instant.

If I had to choose three vampire films to watch this week they would be, Dracula (1931), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), and Near Dark (1987). The first two chosen because of my love of them, the last chosen because it is a different take on vampires that is still high-quality. It's hard to go wrong with Henrikson.

The shots in Vampyr are quite good. I see why it's notable. But I think it's not easy to watch - ya have to be wide awake, can be hard to get into and follow. A bad copy can jump around a bit too.

I was looking forward to Interview. Only saw it once, and maybe only part of it (wasn't my video).

With Bram Stoker... I really like all the Neo in the Drac' castle scenes. Coppola does a masterful job with those -- such amazing lighting, colors, shots and effects. I got really excited about the film there.

It's like two different films.

Everything else in the film really misses for me. I really don't like anything in England, nor do I like the entire ending. Drac is so different in England, & the two characterizations just don't link up at all for me. I even rather disliked all the interactions between Rider, her redheaded friend and Drac. I know he's the undead, but there was no life there for me. Besides the castle scenes, the story & heart just really seems to get lost.


The Brood
Interview with a Vampire
Martin
Salem's Lot

If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend:
Daybreakers - modern day, Ethan Hawke, good quality, bit sci-fi

Yeah, Interview with the Vampire is certainly a quality film, though there are certainly better films. I do love the living through time idea that features prominently in the film. In addition, I like how the film meaningfully explores the idea of the vampire perspective.

I love all the castle scenes as well, they are not only stunning, they are also appropriately creepy and atmospheric. I completely disagree with the rest of what you said though, I feel the film worked quite well. I have always loved the London scenes and the contrast of old Dracula versus young Dracula. Oldman plays that very well. The film is also pretty faithful to the original novel, while also taking it in its own direction. I really liked that.

I still have not seen Martin or Salem's Lot. I really need to. I actually own Salem's Lot.

Never heard of Daybreakers. Will have to watch that too.

@ Sculpt: Unless you're talking about a different 'The Brood' then its not a vampire flick, did you mean 'Rabid'? ::confused::

Anyway as for Vampyr I really like it. I think you need a good quality copy to appreciate it though, as its really all visual. The narrative is very disjointed and awkward to follow at times, but I think that just helps create that dream like flow. It all works together really well. But, its such a visual story that you really need a good copy to take it all in. I watched it on youtube last night and while it wasn't that bad, I would've much preferred to be watching Mett's version myself.

Yes, it was certainly a good version. Like I said earlier, I really need to watch it again with no distractions. I still need to see Rabid, by the way. I should probably order it soon. I do love Cronenberg.

That's right, I mean Rabid, not The Brood. They're both 'symbolic social commentary', but Rabid is one I meant for vampire.

Yeah, I was a little confused when I saw the Brood. I was like, I would not really call that a vampire movie. That makes more sense.

Yeah, I recall Neo DEFINITELY being the weakest part of Dracula (then again, I think I was too busy drooling over Gary Oldman - true story)... It'll be interesting to see it again. I remember it definitely having different tones from humorous to overdramatic - Either way, should be fun!

I have Interview on my queue, so hopefully I can check it out either Wednesday or next weekend (I also want to get Magic to participate with Villain).

I haven't seen Martin but I've been meaning to for a LONG time... And as for Salem's Lot I really loved the book - I'd actually like to read it again before seeing the movie.

Daybreakers was good, but uneven - I more liked the world they lived in than the actual story (and what the heck was Willem Dafoe doing there and what was he wearing???)

Those are solid choices! I'll toast you a bucket of popcorn!!

I know many people say that Keanu Reeves was especially bad in this, but I did not really think he was all that bad. Yeah, he was a little overdramtic, but it was not too bad. A number of people also mentioned that they did not like his English accent. Maybe I don't know what an English accent is supposed to sound like, but it sounded English to me.

Reeves acting is shockingly bad in Dracula. The most hammy, over the top acting performance of his career. It's a thing of beauty. The whole movie is just filled with excess. Acting, colours, camera work, set design, costumes. Every single detail is a step too far and really shouldn't work, but when you put it together its absolute class. It can go from being genuinely creepy to laugh out loud funny without missing a beat. The love story blends beauty and tragedy with something that you could barely get away with in a cheap midmorning melodrama. The whole movie is a contradiction and that's part of what makes it so special.... Looking forward to watching it. ::cool::

I really did not think his acting was all that bad. Sure, it was far from his best performance, but it did not really bother me. It certainly did not seem that out of place. The only place that it really came out to me was when he first sees Dracula in London. I can definitely see that, in fact, Mel Brooks spoofs that in his film Dracula: Dead and Loving It. I suppose that is part of the film's charm. That is very true, I especially enjoy the scenes with Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing. That one scene with the vampire women near the end of the film really creeps me out. I hate the sounds that they make. I totally agree though, it does sometimes seem that the film should not really work when it actually works quite well. It did have to grow on me though. It took a few viewings before I could really appreciate it.

[Straker]

By the way, I was curious where do you live? I was curious because I know that your time zone was off.


I'm in England, so 5-8 hours in front of you guys I think?

Anyway, I should be there for tonight's viewing although it will be a late one for me so I might have to duck out early depending how I feel.

[ChronoGrl]

Is Interview with a Vampire in Netflix? .

Streaming, unfortunately No. I ordered the DVD and it should come in tomorrow. ::cool::


Reeves acting is shockingly bad in Dracula. The most hammy, over the top acting performance of his career. It's a thing of beauty. The whole movie is just filled with excess. Acting, colours, camera work, set design, costumes. Every single detail is a step too far and really shouldn't work, but when you put it together its absolute class. It can go from being genuinely creepy to laugh out loud funny without missing a beat. The love story blends beauty and tragedy with something that you could barely get away with in a cheap midmorning melodrama. The whole movie is a contradiction and that's part of what makes it so special.... Looking forward to watching it. ::cool::

Oh man. I used to be in LOVE with Keanu Reeves circa 1994 (Speed of course!) - Imagine my shock when I finally realized that he might not be the most skilled actor. ::wink::


If I had to choose three vampire films to watch this week they would be, Dracula (1931), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), and Near Dark (1987). The first two chosen because of my love of them, the last chosen because it is a different take on vampires that is still high-quality. It's hard to go wrong with Henrikson.


Oh, wow, I keep forgetting about Near Dark! I need to see it again; I think it was one of those movies that I watched when I was sick so I can't really count it as something I've "seen."



I'm in England, so 5-8 hours in front of you guys I think?

Anyway, I should be there for tonight's viewing although it will be a late one for me so I might have to duck out early depending how I feel.

OMG - Don't ask me to do timezone math right now. Everyone should be on 'MERICA time. ::stick out tongue::


...


All right folks........ Now as for TONIGHT:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/dracula_zps868ee6ca.jpg


I am VERY excited about tonight's viewing of Bram Stoker's Dracula! It's been AGES since I've seen this movie, one that I've OBSESSED WITH since middle school!

Tonight - Let's try convening with SKYPE - If you'd like to join, Skype is free and you just need to download it. It supports both text chat and video chat so I'm hoping that it'll be a happy medium (and have better connectivity).

Please find me - My User Name is Chronogrl.


Showtime starts at 7:00 p.m. EST. Be there or be SQUARE!!

[hammerfan]

And my Skype user name is Hammerfan59

[ChronoGrl]

OH "bollocks" as Straker might say... According to the Googles I can't start a group chat from my iPad (but one of you guys can!) - I'm so frustrated that it won't let me do what I want to do!! ::mad::

[ChronoGrl]

Aaaaactually - I'm trying with WebEx - You should be able follow the link below - HF and Mett are in!

https://emcsoftware.webex.com/sc0701l/supportcenter/scapi.do?needFilter=false&siteurl=emcsoftware&RID=0&CONFERENCEID=1921615453&AT=JS&I=294684921

[Straker]

So no Skype?

[ChronoGrl]

Yeah, I was having issues - In short, I can't install it on my work laptop and it's not letting me create or join group chats on my iPad. LAME. Sorry for the trouble! Beyond frustrated!!

My favorite is the meetings.io. Wish it would work!

[Straker]

Last night was fun. Dracula still holds a special place for me. There's so much to love about the movie and I think as long as you don't take it too seriously I think its a lot of fun. I talked/ typed way more than I normally would during a movie, and I was trying to work out this morning if that was down to the company or the movie itself, and I think the movie plays a big part in that... Parts of the movie really draw you out of the moment and you cant help but have 'did you see that?' type of reaction. Reeves and Ryder are so hammy at times, you cant help but laugh.

That said, its still a really cool film. The sets are insane and the colours give everything so much depth. Everything seems oversaturated and that spills over into the performances of the actors which are equally excessive. Hopkins' ridiculously bold interpretation of Van Helsing is a great example of what Coppola was trying to achieve, I just don't think all of the actors were up to the task. The whole movie is just a great piece of theatre, its excessive in just about every way imaginable and while I totally understand why so many people would hate it, it never fails to put a smile on my face.

[hammerfan]

It's one of those movies that I love to hate and make fun of! Obviously, from my comments last night! ::stick out tongue::

[anglewitch]

I watched bram stokers Dracula a few days ago. It was quite good.

[ChronoGrl]

Wow.

So it was an interesting experience watching Bram Stoker's Dracula again. As I've mentioned before, it's probably been 20 years since I've seen it and when I was a 'tween, I was really obsessed with this movie as well as with Interview - I really loved it unquestionably - And I think last night I might have figured out why...

One of the things that really struck me about the movie was the portrayal of Dracula, who comes in many forms (literally):


There's the count at the castle. Up until I had seen this film, my Dracula experience consisted of Bela Legosi and Frank Langella, so seeing the very very old, very wrinkled count with the long fingernails and bizarre hair really struck me as something completely different. I remember finding him infinitely creepy, especially when we see him crawling down the side of the castle.
Then there's the Count in London - The very handsome, very sexy, very romantic Count that seduces Mina - It's that version of the Count that stuck with me through the years (I have a feeling that my pre-teen self might have felt something -ahem- special about him without really knowing what that meant ::wink::)
Then there are the monsters - The wolf that has sex with Lucy (WOW how did I forget that incredibly disturbing scene??), the disgusting and horrifying bat creature (CRAZY good makeup there btw), and the Monster that we see peaking out of the Dirt...


When I had seen Coppola's Dracula, I just hadn't seen those portrayals of The Count before - I remember the beginning - His Origin - Particularly blowing my mind (Oh, THAT is why he can't do crosses or holy water!)...

Now, watching it 20 years later, here are my thoughts...

What I LIKED about it:


Still loved The Count. He can take me into his candle room any day!
Loved the sets, especially the insane asylum.
LOVED Tom Waits
Really love all of Drac's makeup. Seriously. The Bat Monster was horrifying.
I like the color that the Suitors provide, but I recall enjoying them more 20 years ago...
Lucy. Lucy, Lucy - While the actress may not be the best, I loved Drac seducing her, I love her sickness - I really love the way that they portray her transition from human to undead
The quote, "I just want to tear out her heart and cut off her head."
Gary Oldman, Gary Oldman, Gary Oldman. He really made the movie for me. Scenes without him or without Dracula in his various forms really dragged for me (with the exception of the rainy maze scene - Always loved that)


Where I struggled:


Keanu. Winona Ryder. *sigh* - They were really awful, especially the former. I think the only reason they were cast was because Coppola wanted to make a popular movie and, well, those two were incredibly popular in the 90's. But, really. Keanu was just particularly terrible. Ugh.
Anthony Hopkins - So he wasn't bad, per se; I just didn't think he was as epically awesome as I remember. Then again, as I mentioned above, I was mostly interested in Drac-related scenes.
This movie could definitely be cheesy at times - I mean, how many red flags does Drac need to fly before Jon Harker sees something wrong??
It ran a little long for me this time around; The montage where the suiters, Harker, & co are chasing after Drac lost me a bit



When I first saw this movie, I probably would have given it a 5 MILLION out of 5...

But this time around, maybe a 3.75/5? It's really too bad about the acting front; this could have been a LOT better.

Regardless, it was enjoyable and something I would watch again, probably in a couple of years.

[hammerfan]

If I remember correctly, the reason Coppola used Winona Ryder is that she was supposed to be in The Godfather III in the role that Sofia Coppola ended up playing. And he owed her a movie.

[ChronoGrl]

OMG, really? Wow. That's... Kinda frustrating.

[Sculpt]

Wow.

So it was an interesting experience watching Bram Stoker's Dracula again. As I've mentioned before, it's probably been 20 years since I've seen it and when I was a 'tween, I was really obsessed with this movie as well as with Interview - I really loved it unquestionably - And I think last night I might have figured out why...

One of the things that really struck me about the movie was the portrayal of Dracula, who comes in many forms (literally):


There's the count at the castle. Up until I had seen this film, my Dracula experience consisted of Bela Legosi and Frank Langella, so seeing the very very old, very wrinkled count with the long fingernails and bizarre hair really struck me as something completely different. I remember finding him infinitely creepy, especially when we see him crawling down the side of the castle.
Then there's the Count in London - The very handsome, very sexy, very romantic Count that seduces Mina - It's that version of the Count that stuck with me through the years (I have a feeling that my pre-teen self might have felt something -ahem- special about him without really knowing what that meant ::wink::)
Then there are the monsters - The wolf that has sex with Lucy (WOW how did I forget that incredibly disturbing scene??), the disgusting and horrifying bat creature (CRAZY good makeup there btw), and the Monster that we see peaking out of the Dirt...


When I had seen Coppola's Dracula, I just hadn't seen those portrayals of The Count before - I remember the beginning - His Origin - Particularly blowing my mind (Oh, THAT is why he can't do crosses or holy water!)...

Now, watching it 20 years later, here are my thoughts...

What I LIKED about it:


Still loved The Count. He can take me into his candle room any day!
Loved the sets, especially the insane asylum.
LOVED Tom Waits
Really love all of Drac's makeup. Seriously. The Bat Monster was horrifying.
I like the color that the Suitors provide, but I recall enjoying them more 20 years ago...
Lucy. Lucy, Lucy - While the actress may not be the best, I loved Drac seducing her, I love her sickness - I really love the way that they portray her transition from human to undead
The quote, "I just want to tear out her heart and cut off her head."
Gary Oldman, Gary Oldman, Gary Oldman. He really made the movie for me. Scenes without him or without Dracula in his various forms really dragged for me (with the exception of the rainy maze scene - Always loved that)


Where I struggled:


Keanu. Winona Ryder. *sigh* - They were really awful, especially the former. I think the only reason they were cast was because Coppola wanted to make a popular movie and, well, those two were incredibly popular in the 90's. But, really. Keanu was just particularly terrible. Ugh.
Anthony Hopkins - So he wasn't bad, per se; I just didn't think he was as epically awesome as I remember. Then again, as I mentioned above, I was mostly interested in Drac-related scenes.
This movie could definitely be cheesy at times - I mean, how many red flags does Drac need to fly before Jon Harker sees something wrong??
It ran a little long for me this time around; The montage where the suiters, Harker, & co are chasing after Drac lost me a bit



When I first saw this movie, I probably would have given it a 5 MILLION out of 5...

But this time around, maybe a 3.75/5? It's really too bad about the acting front; this could have been a LOT better.

Regardless, it was enjoyable and something I would watch again, probably in a couple of years.
Tom Waits is a natural for Renfield. He did an excellent job. Although they didn't pick up his carefully crafted mumblings very well. I didn't think the main Renfield scene was particular dynamic. I'm not sure Coppola really apprehended what Renfield was in his film. I thought Tod Browning's (Dracula 31) Renfield scenes were better in every respect.

I don't really get the crushing of Reeves in this role. Maybe he's an actor I naturally perceive better than others do, but I was able to read his feelings & thoughts quite well. He's playing a very reserved and pious character. meh.

Beautiful Mina/Ryder on the other hand, she was really hard to grasp. I don't know who she was.

[ChronoGrl]

Tom Waits is a natural for Renfield. He did an excellent job. Although they didn't pick up his carefully crafted mumblings very well. I didn't think the main Renfield scene was particular dynamic. I'm not sure Coppola really apprehended what Renfield was in his film. I thought Tod Browning's (Dracula 31) Renfield scenes were better in every respect.

I don't really get the crushing of Reeves in this role though. Maybe he's an actor I naturally perceive better than others do, but I was able to read his feelings & thoughts quite well. He's playing a very reserved and pious character. meh.

Beautiful Lucy on the other hand, she was really hard to grasp. I don't know who she was.

I think I miswrote what I liked about Lucy... Not the acting or writing per se, or even her character development - I was more interested in what happened to her character in the movie (does that make more sense?) - I was interested in how she was directed as she went through the illness to her biting and spurting blood to those ridiculous dresses that she wore...

[hammerfan]

I think I miswrote what I liked about Lucy... Not the acting or writing per se, or even her character development - I was more interested in what happened to her character in the movie (does that make more sense?) - I was interested in how she was directed as she went through the illness to her biting and spurting blood to those ridiculous dresses that she wore...

That wedding dress was hideous!

[Straker]

Tom Waits is a natural for Renfield. He did an excellent job. Although they didn't pick up his carefully crafted mumblings very well. I didn't think the main Renfield scene was particular dynamic. I'm not sure Coppola really apprehended what Renfield was in his film. I thought Tod Browning's (Dracula 31) Renfield scenes were better in every respect.


I'd agree with that, but I'd also say its a pretty brutal comparison to make... Dwight Frye is just about the best character actor the genre has ever seen and Browning is up there with the best directors. Its a tough act to follow!

[Sculpt]

I think I miswrote what I liked about Lucy... Not the acting or writing per se, or even her character development - I was more interested in what happened to her character in the movie (does that make more sense?) - I was interested in how she was directed as she went through the illness to her biting and spurting blood to those ridiculous dresses that she wore...
I'm sorry, I meant Mina/Ryder, that's who I never understood in the film. Lucy the redhead was done well. I agree with you. I think she was portrayed as sensual & materialistic, thus animalistic, lacking "higher" faculties, and thus easily conquered by Drac. She played that well.
I'd agree with that, but I'd also say its a pretty brutal comparison to make... Dwight Frye is just about the best character actor the genre has ever seen and Browning is up there with the best directors. Its a tough act to follow!
Definitely, that is a hard act to follow. Dwight Frye stole the show. And Browning shot those scenes really well. I thought Coppola's beginning Harker/Drac scenes (letter scene) were masterful, better than Browning's even. So I think Coppola could have done it better, or cut Renfield out completely.

[ChronoGrl]

I'm sorry, I meant Mina/Ryder, that's who I never understood in the film. Lucy the redhead was done well. I agree with you. I think she was portrayed as sensual & materialistic, thus animalistic, lacking "higher" faculties, and thus easily conquered by Drac. She played that well.

Oh, definitely!

Both times I've seen the movie I found myself, So what is Mina's motivation here?

I honestly couldn't tell if she was hypnotized by Drac to fall in love with him OR if she had legitimately fallen in love with "her Prince" - And that has always bugged me too. I don't think that it was mean to be "open for interpretation" - I just think she's a terrible actress.

[Sculpt]

Oh, definitely!

Both times I've seen the movie I found myself, So what is Mina's motivation here?

I honestly couldn't tell if she was hypnotized by Drac to fall in love with him OR if she had legitimately fallen in love with "her Prince" - And that has always bugged me too. I don't think that it was mean to be "open for interpretation" - I just think she's a terrible actress.
Ya, Ryder has never blown me away as an actress. I thought she was good in Heathers, Girl Interrupted, Lucas & Edward Sissorhands, she was able to achieve some nakedness. I don't remember her sucking in Age of Innocence, but I don't really remember her performance either.

[neverending]

I'd agree with that, but I'd also say its a pretty brutal comparison to make... Dwight Frye is just about the best character actor the genre has ever seen and Browning is up there with the best directors. Its a tough act to follow!


You know, Lugosi hated Dwight Frye... he's quoted as having said he was "the worst Renfeild I ever worked with." (Having worked with many actors in the stage version.) Of course it could have been more of Lugosi's jealousy coming through..

Speaking of the Langela Dracula- Back in my wee days when I was acting in children's theatre, the first three plays I was ever in were directed by a fellow named Bob Hall. He later moved to New York and directed the first stage version of the Dracula adaptation that later became the Langela movie. He then went on to draw for Marvel comics...

I now await Chrono's comments when she finally watches a Chris Lee Dracula movie...

[roshiq]

I now await Chrono's comments when she finally watches a Chris Lee Dracula movie...

I've a feeling she won't like most of them...::roll eyes:: [::stick out tongue::]

[neverending]

I've a feeling she won't like most of them...::roll eyes:: [::stick out tongue::]


I'm not going to be that negative. The things she liked about Coppala's Dracula- the sensuality of Dracula, the amazing color palate... rich costuming... were all taken from the Hammer style.

[Straker]

You know, Lugosi hated Dwight Frye... he's quoted as having said he was "the worst Renfeild I ever worked with." (Having worked with many actors in the stage version.) Of course it could have been more of Lugosi's jealousy coming through..


For me, Frye is one of the best. I think as a character actor he could've turned his hand to just about any part. Its a shame his filmography isn't a little deeper. Even considering his premature death, he never really seemed to get the opportunities he deserved, but the ones he did, he sure made the most of.... I wonder if any of the off screen rivalry your talking about held him back at all.

[hammerfan]

I'm not going to be that negative. The things she liked about Coppala's Dracula- the sensuality of Dracula, the amazing color palate... rich costuming... were all taken from the Hammer style.

I agree, NE. I think she's going to really like it!

[roshiq]

Then come on, Chrono...go for a Hammer's Dracula marathon and prove me wrong!::wink::

[newb]

to keep with Chrono's "Vampire Week" , I watched "Shadow of the Vampire". This is a must watch for horror fans. John Malkovich gives his usual slightly over the top performance but it's Willem Defoe's portrayal of Max Shreck that makes this worth the price of admission.

I followed this up with the original Nosferatu but by the time I started it [ 10:30 ] I only made it 45 minutes in before sleepy time overcame me.

both of these are streaming on Netflix

[hammerfan]

to keep with Chrono's "Vampire Week" , I watched "Shadow of the Vampire". This is a must watch for horror fans. John Malkovich gives his usual slightly over the top performance but it's Willem Defoe's portrayal of Max Shreck that makes this worth the price of admission.

I followed this up with the original Nosferatu but by the time I started it [ 10:30 ] I only made it 45 minutes in before sleepy time overcame me.

both of these are streaming on Netflix

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll add both to my queue pronto!

[Straker]

Love Shadow of the Vampire, Dafoe is excellent in that movie. ::cool::

[ChronoGrl]

That wedding dress was hideous!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/lucy_zpsff93f50a.jpg

[hammerfan]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/lucy_zpsff93f50a.jpg

bwahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ChronoGrl]

You know, Lugosi hated Dwight Frye... he's quoted as having said he was "the worst Renfeild I ever worked with." (Having worked with many actors in the stage version.) Of course it could have been more of Lugosi's jealousy coming through..

Speaking of the Langela Dracula- Back in my wee days when I was acting in children's theatre, the first three plays I was ever in were directed by a fellow named Bob Hall. He later moved to New York and directed the first stage version of the Dracula adaptation that later became the Langela movie. He then went on to draw for Marvel comics...

I now await Chrono's comments when she finally watches a Chris Lee Dracula movie...

Wow, NE! That's actually really neat about the play.



I've a feeling she won't like most of them...::roll eyes:: [::stick out tongue::]

Oh no - Do you think? I'm guessing that my parents never really liked Hammer movies (else they would have watched them with me along with other classics, like the Universal Fare)... And I don't think that Mark cares for Hammer either..



I'm not going to be that negative. The things she liked about Coppala's Dracula- the sensuality of Dracula, the amazing color palate... rich costuming... were all taken from the Hammer style.

Well that makes me all the more interested in seeing it! Let me see if it's streaming somewhere this weekend...

I agree, NE. I think she's going to really like it!

Then come on, Chrono...go for a Hammer's Dracula marathon and prove me wrong!::wink::

LOL!!

Ok. So is it Horror of Dracula that I should be starting with? Looks like I can digitally rent it from a few different sources. I have Only Lovers Left Alive, Interview with The Vampire, and The Raid II all home from Netflix right now to get me through the weekend, so I'll see where I can fit it in (Lovers viewing will be tonight... Ooo, maybe I can watch Interview tomorrow while I'm "working" and The Raid II might be tomorrow night depending on my company...)

SO

Goal is to check it out Saturday or Sunday. ::cool::

[anglewitch]

So it was an interesting experience watching Bram Stoker's Dracula again. As I've mentioned before, it's probably been 20 years since I've seen it and when I was a 'tween, I was really obsessed with this movie as well as with Interview - I really loved it unquestionably - And I think last night I might have figured out why...

--------------

Regardless, it was enjoyable and something I would watch again, probably in a couple of years.

I like how they gave Dracula a butt hair-do. That is not one of the many forms of Dracula. Now that I think of it the only good vampire actor was Christopher Lee (who which I may add is still alive). Like if you saw Bella Lugosi coming at you in a foggy street you would be like what the hell, and if you saw Christopher Lee came at you, you would scream "OH SHIT RUN"!


Moderator's Note: Please quote only the relevant part of a lengthy post.

[hammerfan]

Yes, I would start with Horror of Dracula. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinion!

BTW, Mark also doesn't like Bram Stoker's Dracula!

[Straker]

Dracula '58 and The Curse of Frankenstein are the best places to start, both are well worth a watch. Even if you watch them and end up hating them, they are still both so iconic its still worth watching them as a reference point. I'm sure you'll love them both though, but then again, I cant imagine how any horror fan could not love Hammer.

[anglewitch]

I watched horror of Dracula it was awesome. They based some stuff off the book I think.

***SPOILER WARNING***



There is the beginning when that guy (forgot his name damn) goes to Dracula's castle and gets killed by Dracula, then there is the part where he attacks the same family that the guy was from.



***END OF SPOILERS***

Believe it or not I have all the hammer Dracula movies.


Dracula '58 and The Curse of Frankenstein are the best places to start, both are well worth a watch. Even if you watch them and end up hating them, they are still both so iconic its still worth watching them as a reference point. I'm sure you'll love them both though, but then again, I cant imagine how any horror fan could not love Hammer.

Yeah someone would have to be crazy not to like hammer. The other day Chrono posted a message on the hammer thread I made and said WE DEMAND PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOF! Then she said "Wait what a I doing here I have never watched a hammer film in my life". We where talking about a hammer film that we could not find.

Chrono Girl is gonna kill me now.

Moderator Note: Please use the MULTI quote feature and the EDIT button if posting within 30 minutes. Also, add a Spoiler Warning for those who haven't seen the mentioned films yet.

[ChronoGrl]

The other day Chrono posted a message on the hammer thread I made and said WE DEMAND PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOF! Then she said "Wait what a I doing here I have never watched a hammer film in my life". We where talking about a hammer film that we could not find.

Chrono Girl is gonna kill me now.

Yeah. I'm pretty funny. I should really quit my day job and become a comedian. ::big grin::

[realdealblues]

I finally can comment on one of these threads...lol. Last night I finally got to sit down and actually watch a movie. I haven't had time to watch one in a couple weeks and it just so happens I watched a vampire related one.

Dario Argento's Dracula

For those who haven't seen it, don't...lol. Save yourself 2 hours of torture. In all honesty It actually seemed very much like a throwback to Hammer's films with the sets, costumes, color of blood, etc., but the special effects and story played felt more like an Asylum production for the SyFy Channel.

Spoiler: Dracula can turn himself into a "Giant" Praying Mantis now. Unfortunately it wasn't as cool as it sounds.

Had the film been treated more as a comedy in the vein of a SyFy channel movie, I might have actually gotten a kick out of it, but the seriousness of it made it more boring than anything. Dario's Phantom Of The Opera was pretty "dry" but this was a "desert" compared to that.

[Sculpt]

Dario Argento's Dracula

For those who haven't seen it, don't...lol. Save yourself 2 hours of torture. In all honesty It actually seemed very much like a throwback to Hammer's films with the sets, costumes, color of blood, etc., but the special effects and story played felt more like an Asylum production for the SyFy Channel.

Spoiler.......................................
Dracula can turn himself into a "Giant" Praying Mantis now. Unfortunately it wasn't as cool as it sounds.

Had the film been treated more as a comedy in the vein of a SyFy channel movie, I might have actually gotten a kick out of it, but the seriousness of it made it more boring than anything. Dario's Phantom Of The Opera was pretty "dry" but this was a "desert" compared to that.
Gak! Sounds dreadful. When I saw a clip of the insect, looking faker than CG from early 90's TV, I was weary. But not a big loss to me, as I'm not into the doesn't-make-any-sense nightmare films anyway.

[ChronoGrl]

LOL! Yeah, I've heard that Dario Argento's Dracula is simply awful... But I gotta say...I'm really amused by the praying mantis CGI...


SO last night I watched

Only Lovers Left Alive (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714915/?ref_=nv_sr_1) (2013)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/lovers_zps578885ba.jpg


In short, I really loved it - It's beautiful, meticulous, and moody, colorful vignettes - This version of the vampire story tells it from the perspective of vampires who are almost too long for this world, suffering from beautiful ennui.

Tilda Swinton was absolutely stunning - Like a China doll out of time... And Tom Hiddleston was beautiful and perfect as the beautiful and suicidal aging rocker...

My only complaint (POTENTIAL SPOILERS)...


Part of what should be one of the more interesting parts of this movie is how this couple has influenced famous figures in history... For example - Christopher Marlow is actually a character... Which is a bit on the nose when it comes to saying HEY THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN WITH FAMOUS FOLKS IN HISTORY - I'm not a huge fan of wrapping famous icons into movies unless its done well... It would have been a bit better if, say, they referred to him just as "Kit" and his history as Marlow just unraveled slowly and was a fun reveal in the end...

A minor complaint; I really did love this.

[metternich1815]

I did not manage to watch Only Lovers Left Alive last night, but I plan to watch it sometime this weekend.

Shadow of the Vampire- I have seen this film once before. There were some top-notched performances, an excellent premise that was well-executed, and a great pace. Really good film, if you have not seen it and are curious it is streaming on Netflix Instant (U.S.).

* SLIGHT SPOILERS*


I also managed to watch Let's Scare Jessica to Death for the first time, which fits in this sub-genre surprisingly. I really liked it. At times, it felt a little standard, but that changed as the film went on. I was definitely wondering exactly what was going on throughout the film. I figured out certain things, but did not know what they meant. I definitely did not see the ending coming. Another thing was I was able to connect with the characters particularly Jessica. I often wondered if what was happening was real or imagined. They played that angle real well. I definitely agree that the film had a very eerie and creepy feeling. I was definitely on edge at several points. This was enhanced by the simple, piercing score. The film also seemed to posses a somber, depressing feel like as if the situation was hopeless. Overall, an excellent film.


*END SLIGHT SPOILERS*

[Sculpt]

LOL! Yeah, I've heard that Dario Argento's Dracula is simply awful... But I gotta say...I'm really amused by the praying mantis CGI...I love Praying Mantids. I could watch them all day. Amazing creation.


SO last night I watched

Only Lovers Left Alive (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714915/?ref_=nv_sr_1) (2013)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/lovers_zps578885ba.jpg


In short, I really loved it - It's beautiful, meticulous, and moody, colorful vignettes - This version of the vampire story tells it from the perspective of vampires who are almost too long for this world, suffering from beautiful ennui.

Tilda Swinton was absolutely stunning - Like a China doll out of time... And Tom Hiddleston was beautiful and perfect as the beautiful and suicidal aging rocker...

My only complaint (POTENTIAL SPOILERS)...


Part of what should be one of the more interesting parts of this movie is how this couple has influenced famous figures in history... For example - Christopher Marlow is actually a character... Which is a bit on the nose when it comes to saying HEY THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN WITH FAMOUS FOLKS IN HISTORY - I'm not a huge fan of wrapping famous icons into movies unless its done well... It would have been a bit better if, say, they referred to him just as "Kit" and his history as Marlow just unraveled slowly and was a fun reveal in the end...

A minor complaint; I really did love this.I had to look up the word ennui (https://www.google.com/search?q=ennui&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=rcs). It certainly sounds strange to read, "suffering from beautiful ennui". Curious what you mean by that? Guessing... I can appreciate that in the sense of experiencing the destitution of many human/worldly pursuits, 'righteous indignation' of it, and suffering for a good cause. But I'm guessing they couldn't find a good cause, right?

* SLIGHT SPOILERS*

I also managed to watch Let's Scare Jessica to Death for the first time, which fits in this sub-genre surprisingly. I really liked it. At times, it felt a little standard, but that changed as the film went on. I was definitely wondering exactly what was going on throughout the film. I figured out certain things, but did not know what they meant. I definitely did not see the ending coming. Another thing was I was able to connect with the characters particularly Jessica. I often wondered if what was happening was real or imagined. They played that angle real well. I definitely agree that the film had a very eerie and creepy feeling. I was definitely on edge at several points. This was enhanced by the simple, piercing score. The film also seemed to posses a somber, depressing feel like as if the situation was hopeless. Overall, an excellent film.Indeed I thought the sound, score & 'blurry' cinematography were very eerie. And also the film 'seemed to posses a somber, depressing feel like as if the situation was hopeless'. When I watched a second time, many years later, I got the feeling there wasn't a destination.