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The best vampire movie you have never seen? Possibly. Definitely one of the most unique and leftfield vampire movies out there. The 80's saw a revival in the vampire movie with both 'The Hunger' and 'The Lost Boys' both putting a new spin on the tried and tested myth. Their downfall? They both look dated in terms of asthetics. This is where Near Dark triumphs. It has barely changed in over 20 years.
Near Dark succeeds on it's admirable lack of uneccessary exposition. The vampire condition is barely hinted at and instead we are exposed to the emotional aspect of vampirism- familial bonds, lack of physical love and isolation. It also succeeds with some oustanding visual effects. These are not neccessarily the effects draped in gore but the purely physical effects of sunlight on their bodies (typical vampire myths such as holy water and garlic are non existent in this film).
The film centers around Mae who, along with her 'family' ( a travelling band of amoral and violent vampires) stop off at a small town in Texas. A local man- Caleb is immediatedly smitten and on the star filled night is bitten by her but not 'bled'. Meaning that he could turn. The family has no choice but to adopt him into their clan and try to make him the character he needs to be in order to survive. His personal morals and his undying love for his family create a rift which has to end somehow.
The 'family' is superbly realised and Bill Paxton (Aliens) is simply superb as the psychotic Severen and some of his lines are classics. The bar massacre at 40.00 minutes onwards is a tour de force of jet black comedy and genuine menace.
Many other aspects make this film head and shoulders above many of it's ilk. The superb score by Tangerine Dream. The cinematography and Kathryn Bigelow's direction, which adds a little tenderness and pathos to the proceedings.
There is not a lot of gore in this film as it works on atmosphere and menace. It is all the more better for it. A classic film that has a little sweet centre running through it. Here is the (dated) trailer. I have the soundtrack too if anyone is interested
I love this film, its up there with my favourite vampire films. Atmospheric and foreboding, just how i like my horror
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