Sunday, August 30, 2015

Vampires

Vampires are always an interesting subject. I think its because throughout history they're been played with in so many versions of literature and film that everyone has some sort of Vampire fantasy. These creatures were created to make us look twice before you walk down a dark alley alone at night, when really you should just do that anyways. It's just common sense. I do like how they've become this thing people can associate with fantasy and reality though. Vampire's exist for sure, but are they what you dreamed them to be? Not really, unless you associate the hospital hunting you down for all your worth because you haven't paid a bill on time, somewhat similar to a blood sucker. 

Regardless, Vampires are fascinating creature to explore in literature and film. I couldn't find my copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula book, so I decided to venture into the teen/desperate mom world of fantasy literature. I decided to read Twilight again. Let me say that I've only read Twilight once and it was a very long time ago. I'm not sure when the books came out, but I read them all after the first film came out. I have a tick that if there's a series and I've started reading them, I have to finish them. I couldn't remember if I liked Twilight, though for someone who enjoys a challenging read or an every day sex novel, Twilight was severely disappointing. I should have known better to relook at this book. 

The characters are dull, unattractive, poorly written and all seem to have this acute tunnel vision for all of their wants and needs. I had a hard time relating to any of them. Wasn't Bella supposed to be strong? She was pathetic. I couldn't get past her teenage driven desires for this Edward Cullen. I remember later in the books she turns into a badass vamp because of her ability to basically not give a  %^#$ about other bad vamps. Well, how does that build really when she's just crying and pining over a man's approval for her love? It seems very inconsistent. The vampires are ridiculous as well. The emotional back and forth between the 100 year old vamp and the teenager did not work out. 

The film I ended up watching was Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) by Francis Ford Coppola. I have a huge love for this film. It's a classic to me. Gary Oldman wins hands down in my eyes for Dracula. He is so well balanced within the realm of history with this creature. Oldman's portrayal of Dracula is both attractive and ugly all at the same time. He's disturbing and inviting. This film can be a bit over the top as far as Drama goes, but it's worth a watch. I mean no one can compare to Tom Waits' Renfield. He was brilliant as was the rest of the cast. If you have not seen this film yet, please take a moment when you can and watch it.