Vampire

Well its almost 2014 and vampires abound the movie and television landscape. Inexplicably the vampire has become gentrified. Ranging from reflective observers of the human condition to teenage heart-throbs, the monster has been exiled as unidimensional and un-interesting. For example, a new TV series called Dracula was launched in October 2013. Utterly insipid and derivative of Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula which dared to portray the Count as a love-sick sinner seeking redemption--the series is a mash up of fantasy and adventure that re-imagines Stoker's central antagonists, Van Helsing and Dracula, teaming up against a common enemy--what poppycock! Although a few exceptions can be mentioned (Blade; Fright Night) the vampire as a monstrous terror inducing evil has become a rarity. And so we come to our little movie from the late 70's: Vampire is a terrific example of a vampire story. It does not make the titular character anything but an amoral, powerful and evil monster. And this is how I believe vampires should be portrayed and this is how I first imagined a vampire upon reading Stoker's novel (aside: it is one of the most scary novels I have ever read). The good guys are valiant and, even if over-matched for cunning and ruthlessness, make a great team that uses logic and good old detective work to track and ensnare their prey. The direction by Mr. Swackhamer puts on all the right moves to evoke dread and horror. He expertly uses brownish colour palettes to portray helplessness and doom and gloom. Steven Bochco's script is tight and involving with a plot that gallops relentlessly to a suspense-filled ending. The brooding presence of Jason Miller and the stalwartness of the Marshall character and a great turn by Richard Lynch who is in turn suave, menacing and evil all mesh perfectly. Yes, the movie is THAT good!!

I read somewhere that Vampire was a failed pilot for a series that never came to be. Thank goodness for that. I doubt if a series could have sustained the tone of the original pilot, week in and week out. I mean consider what happened with Kolchak: The Night Stalker series. While interesting, the hourly episodes of that series could never equal the original movie set in Las Vegas.

All in all the movie is a triumphant example of smart minds at work taking great care to craft an internally consistent and logical story that is both scary and thrilling. This movie ranks very highly among the films in this sub-genre of horror.

I jealously guard my VHS off-air recording of this movie, hoping like the other reviewers for a DVD release. While I wait, I am looking forward to Guillermo Del Toro's TV series adaptation of his novel co-written with Chuck Hogan called The Strain. There are no genteel vampires in Toro's story: only nasty evil beings. And that my friends is what Vampires are!!

This was a great movie. It stars Richard Lynch who gives an outstanding performance as the vampire,it also stars the guy who played "Father Karras" in "The Exorcist" who also does a great job. This movie clicks on all levels,story as well as acting. If it were available on dvd or tape,I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately I believe the only way to ever see it is on late,late night tv but if you can catch it,I highly recommend you watch it. You'll be glad you did,it's how vampire movies should be done.

When I first saw this movie(Vampire) on TV some years ago, and have looked for it ever since, I was enthralled with Richard Lynch, his portrayal is 'right on' in this role..............now some of you may not agree with me, but I also put Rutger Hauer in a similar category, delightful to watch, downright scary in some of his roles,(Nighthawks) but the ultimate romantic, if given half a chance...........of course, my all-time favorite love story movie is Ladyhawke, so I admit to being a tad prejudiced.......I have seen Richard Lynch in a number of TV movies, series, etc, but have lost track of him over the recent years......

there are also websites for Rutger Hauer where his fans can go to keep up with his movie roles, etc........He also is the founder of an organization that helps AIDS victims, mostly children, i believe.....called STARFISH. Its always nice to know that some of the actors today at least have some compassion for others less fortunate than themselves.

It's been close to 30 years since I watched this movie with Richard Lynch as the blonde vampire, and who played the part to perfection. For the younger people expecting blood, gore and action, this isn't the one to watch. Vampire is more of a 'reader's' film, where the imagination fills in today's 'action' in movies. An earlier film I saw him in is called The Premonition, where he portrayed a rather creepy carny; also a fascinating film. I've been looking for this movie, Vampire, for all these years and would love to see it released on DVD. I'd wondered for years whatever became of Lynch and am glad to see he remained active for some time. I was surprised to read in his mini-biography that he'd been burnt in a drug related fire. I always had the idea he'd been a burn victim at one time. Although I believe him to be an excellent actor, ultimately it was his voice and unconventional good looks that drew me in.

Next to the original "The Nightstalker" this may well be the best made-for-TV vampire flick there is. A superb cast led to a superior offering. Special effects were correctly kept to a minimum, allowing the story and performances to carry this hidden gem. Jason Miller gave a wonderful, sympathetic performance. I read where his portrayal of the vampire Voytek is Richard Lynch's favorite role, and well it should be - he is marvelous! I only wish that he would have been able to reprise his role in the series that never was.

It is a rare film that leaves a favorable impression after 27 years. Rarer still one that was produced for the small screen. Vampire, for me, is such a film. To the Powers That Be: please release this on DVD soon. It is long overdue. A few extras would be nice too.