Vampires have invaded our cinemas, and as long as people are willing to pay to see them, they will remain. But you’ve got to admit, Hollywood is getting pretty creative with them.
Why are these vampire films popular, and why are so many being made? It’s due to the success of “Twilight.” For some reason, people just love seeing sexy, “fanged” characters in minimal clothing killing each other.
This year, there will be at least three films involving vampires. The first, “Underworld Awakening,” premiered in late January. “Dark Shadows,” starring a vampiric Johnny Depp, hits theatres on May 11 and, possibly the most unique film of the three, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” will premiere this summer.
The idea behind “Dark Shadows” is simple. Unite the veteran combo Tim Burton and Johnny Depp in a reboot of the 1950s black and white classic of the same name. For those unfamiliar with the history of “Dark Shadows,” it is a story about an 18th Century man named Barnabas Collins, who is cursed to become a vampire. After a (very) long imprisonment, Barnabas awakens in the 20th Century eager to resume his immortal work while adapting to the oddities of 1950s America.
The original Barnabas Collins was played by Jonathan Frid, who created one of the most distinctive profiles for the American vampire. Johnny Depp in this role is a good thing; he looks and acts the part in his typical stellar fashion. With Tim Burton directing I’ve all but bought my ticket. The main selling point of this reboot isn’t the lore behind it, which most of target audience won’t know or remember, rather it’s the pairing of Depp and Burton. Fortunately, it’s the right combination, and those who’ve never heard of Barnabas Collins will flock to the theaters because they’ve heard of Burton and Depp.
Now to “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” A true oddity in its title alone, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” will make anyone stop and think, “what did I just read?” How this film will fare at the box office I have no clue. In fact, I don’t think anyone does. The story comes from a graphic novel similar to last year’s “Cowboys and Aliens.”
The plot consists of Abraham Lincoln battling a number of southern plantation owners, who are actually vampires, prior to his election to the presidency.
This movie is without a doubt the most bizarre thing I’ve heard of or seen in recent film history. However, I think it’s worth seeing. It’s such an abstract concept that I’m eager to see what direction the directors will take the film and whether or not it will attempt to develop into a serious movie or just bomb.
Major film studios hope that their next vampire film will be a huge hit with audiences, which results in them making millions of dollars, and, in turn creating sequels which will make millions of dollars more. And most of them will probably flop because of their absuridty. It’s the lack of originality amongst directors and producers, and their drive for the next cash cow to milk that will make them tank.
