Based on the novel "Space Vampires", by Colin Wilson, Tobe Hooper's Lifeforce is an intriguing blend of sci-i, horror, and action, with particularly masterful
special fx.
As far as vampire films go, it's really quite original, in that it attempts to explain the origin of the vampire legends on Earth, as intervention from an extraterrestrial race of beings that traverse the universe- riding the wave of haley's comet- and leaving destruction in their wake (Von Daniken would be proud).
Everything begins when a mission is sent to study and observe Haley's Comet up close- using the new minerva engine, which allows them to travel with gravity for the first time (which is convenient for production purposes)- during which they discover this mysterious alien craft.
Knowing this is a once-in-a-lifetime oppourtunity...they send a team to enter the ship via an "artery"...only to discover the desiccated corpses of a
thousand bat like creatures.
Upon further investigation they find 3 humanoid figures perfectly preserved in what appear to be crystalline obelisks of some sort.
The commander immediately falls in love with the female of the species, and orders the three humanoids and one desiccated bat corpse be taken back to the ship so they can be studied.
However, this unleashes something that kills everyone on the ship.
And by the time the ship gets back to Earth's orbit, there is nothing left...except the three humanoid creatures (who are the only things left inside the vessel that haven't been scorched).
The space agency then brings the specimens back to Earth, only to discover for themselves, exactly what they are dealing with- body snatching vampires that require human lifeforce as nourishment.
Unknowingly, they have just unleashed this plague- which spreads like zombies and vampires- upon the Earth...and they cannot contain it.
Shortly after making this discovery, the escape pod- from the ship that originally scavenged the three entities from the alien craft that now
sits in orbit over London- returns carrying the sole survivor from that fateful mission.
But it's too late...the plague is spreading like wildfire across London, and NATO plans to nuke the area to contain the threat.
So our returned man (who is both the original cause of the plague and only hope for stopping it)- alongside his earthly counterpart- must find a
way to kill the three entities before the plague obliterates all life on Earth.
And the only way for our out of this world protagonist to redeem his sins- and save what is left to be saved- is to form the ultimate union; and become himself, like a God (providing mercy for mankind).
Story aside, the special effects in this film are among the best I've ever seen.
The animatronic puppets used for the bodies drained of their life's essence are absolutely incredible (and something we rarely get in today's cop out age of cgi). So animated and lifelike!
The transformation sequences (a blend of real fx, cell animation and cinematic techniques) are also top notch...up there alongside the scene from American Werewolf in London...maybe even better!
It''s no Star Wars, or anything...but this film is a nugget from the Golden Age of Special Effects, which has since been heavily diluted, if not abandoned altogether.
They just don't make films like this anymore, and that's a real tragedy.
Worth watching on that note alone.
7.5 out of 10.
