Interview with the Vampire is based on the book by Anne Rice. If you read the book, the movie may be a letdown; if you can forget about the book, the movie is wonderful! (The home video begins with an introduction by Anne Rice that is a must-see for all her fans!)

Check out the lineup of talent in this one: Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater, Kirsten Dunst, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. It was definitely staffed with the best and brightest in this "younger" age range and simply hearing the list of stars is enough to build your anticipation of the movie. They deliver the goods without a hitch!

The primary plot revolves around Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt) telling his 200-year life history as a vampire to Daniel Malloy (Christian Slater). He is the pitiful creature with the "Oh, poor me, I hate being a monster" syndrome. The story is intermittently narrated from his point of view, with Malloy occasionally asking questions. He relates how Lestat made him and how their relationship progressed and transformed over time.

Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise) is du Lac's polar opposite. He is the stereotypical, blood-lusting, kill-humans-for-the-fun-of-it vampire. He feels no remorse or pity for du Lac and often goads him with biting witticisms. It is inevitable that the two will clash. Cruise played this part extremely well and I liked him better as a cruel vampire than in most of the other roles he has played. It seems to fit him better -- he is a natural for the part. I liked Armand (Antonio Banderas), the suave and sophisticated, yet cool and aloof vampire of dreams who made Lestat and befriended du Lac. He was so perfect for this part because of his dark, handsome, mysterious looks and his natural aura of sophistication. This is the stereotypical vampire of legend and tradition.

Kirsten Dunst plays 12-year-old Claudia, who was transformed into a vampire after her mother died from the plague. She is awesome in this role -- definitely her best performance to date. She demonstrates a remarkable ability to present an altering character persona as her child vampire ages through the decades while remaining in a child's body. We watch her character mature and undergo extreme psychological changes. When her evil side pops up, you will be astonished! She wants revenge on her creator, but who is guilty, Lestat or du Lac? Where will her loyalties lie?

This movie engages all your senses and takes you from laughing out loud to jumping out of your skin. You will feel anger and sadness, hope and despair. There are a couple of unexpected twists that will keep you intrigued. The ending is ideal and puts your imagination into overdrive. It ended on the perfect note. Get a copy of this movie to watch time and again. But be warned if you are squeamish, there are some bloody and sickening scenes. Du Lac lives on rats, pigeons and other creatures for a long time to avoid killing humans. If you cannot handle seeing that, pass this one by.

- Rambles
written by Alicia Karen Elkins
published 10 May 2003