The Silken Thorn
Vampires in Movies and on Television
The Vampire film by Vignolia
One of many early 20th century vampire films that eschew vampires as being femme fatales rather than supernatural beings driven by bloodlust. Instead, a lust for wealth, control, and other dark desires compelled these femme fatales to victimize men. These unfortunate men were robbed of notariety, fame, success, health, and ultimately their lives.
Nosferatu film by F.W. Murnau
A silent film adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Nosferatu helped shaped the concept of vampires as being dark, ghoulish fiends. To many, the vampire Count Orlok from this film is the ideal vampire archetype.
While essentially the story of Dracula, it was produced illegally and the family of Bram Stoker pursued the matter in court and won. Numerous copies of the original Nosferatu were collected and destroyed. A few survived. It's this tale of survival and resurrection that propelled this film into the annals of movie history.
The Lost Boys
Though movies about vampires were produced in every decade since 1910, many were adaptations Dracula or low-budget films which failed to caputure audiences. In the 1970's, with a new look at vampires through notable authors King and Rice, the 1980's were filled with many varied vampire movie interests. The Lost Boys is just one of the many from this decade that impact our culture and has been referenced, parodied, or refered to in a vast number of shows, books, and movies since it first hit theater in 1987.
The story follows the adventures that unfold when two brothers move to a new town in California and discover the town is home to numerous vampires. The movie explores the excitement of being young and the fleeting state of life itself. Heavy topics are wrapped up with macabre humor. The end result inspired audiences and opened a door for a new world of vampire lore authors and producers.
Underworld
While many vampire movies are retellings of old tales, Underworld is a good example of the story flexibility that comes from crafting original characters and shaping a new version of vampire lore history in order to further a ficitonal cause. Cinematic, well directed, and hosting a line of strong actors, Underworld quickly became a fan favorite.
It's strong storyline prompted a series of follow-ups and proves that Vampire Lore lovers are always open to new story lines and character concepts.
Byzantium
Adapted from a screen play written by , Byzantium was produced in 2012. Telling hte story of a mother and daughter pair and how their vampire lives are tangled over time, this story captures the push and pull of old-ways and new customers.
The backdrop of the United Kingdom oceanside and briming with its own unique vampire lore, it's not the most popular Vampire tale but one of my personal favorites.
What We Do in the Shadows
A well written comedy that both grips the heart and the gut. It's the latest addition to the vampire movie realm.
Set in New Zealand, this mockumentary follows the ups and downs that go with a group of vampires living together as roommates. Embracing archetypes and popular concepts found through all of vampire lore, every character is carefully written to espouse their niche in vampire creation history. An ancient vampire, Petyr, hails back to Nosferatu, Viago is remniscent of 16th century romantics, Vladislav espouses all the values of Count Dracula, and Deacon touches the world of Master Ruthven. It's both sentimental and yet packed with a healthy dose of self-depreciationg humor.