Vampire is a great revenge horror film. The revenge element is the major driving force, and a great twist... It's the Vampyre who's out for revenge, and his vengeance is evil.
1979 was an exceptional year for the fanged bloodsuckers. It saw Stephen King's epic Salem's Lot captivate the nation when it aired on television. While movie theatres screened Klaus Kinski's colourful remake of Nosferatu. It still amazes me that the two big Vampires of '79' looked so alike.
This TV Movie isn't as great as King's tale, but writers Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll give us a worthy contender. Their story revolves around Prince Anton Voytek.
The Prince's been alive for millennia. In this time he has surmounted a fortune and a substantial quantity of priceless artwork. Unfortunately for him, he's been defeated and imprisoned. However, when a company begins construction on the site for a new church, the erected cross casts a shadow over his tomb. The ground burns in the cross' shadow awakening Voytek. He then begins to suck the lifeblood from the indigent of the city.
After regaining his strength, he sets about recovering his treasures.
He enlists the help of architects John and Leslie Rawlins. Once they retrieve the prized artwork the Rawlins suspect it may be stolen and call in the police. Voytek's arrested and imprisoned once again. This he cannot forgive. His new mission, to seek retribution on his captors...
The writers are skilled at creating believable characters.
In particular, Harry Kilcoyne, John Rawlins, and Andrea Parker, who form the backbone of the story. Their interaction with one another is genuine. It's easy to see why they become friends and allies; it's a natural progression. This realism, not only allows the audience to relate to them, but also helps hold the story together.
As for the Vampyre, it's his actions that create most of the tension. Humans are less than playthings to him. They're to be possessed, used, and discarded when finished with. The best scene to show this is when Kilcoyne and Rawlins visit Nicole DeCamp. She's the lawyer who held parties to introduce the Prince to high-society. Once her function is complete, he takes great pleasure in making her crawl to him. The fresh bruises and scars are visible on her face as tears run down her cheeks.
Voytek isn't only cruel and manipulative, he's cunning. The writers show this in his exploitation of Rawlins' and Kilcoyne's feelings for friends and family. His acts are cold, precise, and designed to prove he's in control of the situation. If our heroes pursue him, it may lead to their deaths.
E. W. Swackhamer (don't you just love that name(?)) does a great job in letting the story unfold on the screen. He throws in some great iconic shots. I particularly liked the scene where Voytek has to get home before sunrise. Swackhamer frames him centre screen as he runs an uphill street. His long coat billowing out behind him, smoke rising gently from it as the dawn shifts to day. Very nicely handled.
He shoots most of the film in standard fashion. However, this is fine as the story and the characters are strong enough to keep the attention of the audience. The few innovative touches are a bonus.
Swackhamer's management of the film's pacing could be better. It's told at one pace. Accepted, it's a good trot, so you won't get bored. But variations in tempo would add to the audience's immersion. The chase scenes would be more exciting with quicker and sharper cuts. When Rawlins and Kilcoyne are on the hunt a smidge slower pace would build the tension. These are minor issues, the film is enjoyable as it stands.
The acting is superb. I cannot understand why Jason Miller has been so under-used. Not in this film, but as an actor. He was the best thing in The Exorcist and he was perfect in The Exorcist III "Legion". NB; Legion is much better than any of the films in the series, and works as a stand-alone story - if you've not seen it then get a copy. He's such a powerful and credible actor that he brings a great essence and persona to Rawlins and the film.
I've been a fan of E. G. Marshall's since I saw him in 12 Angry Men (another must watch film - the original 1957 movie). He too is a powerhouse of an actor and brings all his skills to the role of Kilcoyne.
Even the part players, such as Jessica Walter who plays DeCamp, are superb in their roles. Her portrayal in the scene I described above would not have been so touching if she hadn't given her all.
Even Richard Lynch, who I wouldn't have chosen for The Prince, comes across as stately and aristocratic. I was amazed and shocked... and pleased. It was the icing on the cake.
Do you like revenge thrillers? Do you like your horror films? Are you a Vampyre lover? If the answer is yes to one or all these questions, then you need to get a copy of this film and enjoy.
Ratings:
Story 1.5 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1 : Acting 1.5 : Enjoyment 1.25 : Total 6.5 / 10
Race over to see where this fangtastic flick ranked in my Absolute Horror list.
Take Care and Stay Well.
