Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles

From director Neil Jordan comes this captivating descent into the dark, lurid, and often times emotionally wrenching netherworld of vampires. Pitt--a vampire burdened with the emotional frailty and turmoil of a human soul--recalls his two hundred year existence: a life of pain, sorrow, and regret where he clashed with his ravenous, suave, charismatic mentor/creator. Based on the novel by Anne Rice this stylish, violent, engrossing tale is a bit overlong, but made worthwhile by lavish set design, terrific visual effects, along with rich performances. Cruise gives a surprisingly bravura performance as the vampire Lestat, and young Dunst is simply riveting as Claudia. ***

It's story time with Vampire Louis. While most movies build to a climax and conclusion, this movie is simply the life story of a 200 year old vampire. With a couple of light scares along the way, his story is mostly dramatic, sad and interesting to watch. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Antonio Banderas playing vampires in a movie together is intriguing all by itself. It's especially interesting seeing Tom Cruise in a role that is very different than his usual. This movie is more drama than horror, which means there are some chills, but not many thrills. The costumes, makeup, and gothic atmosphere are highlights and compliment the story.

This film is not as bad as they say. Vivid scenes and good dialog highlight this one. The acting is very effective. But bad cinematography gives the film a washed-out look. Bad costumes hurt it and so does the anti-climactic conclusion. I think it is still a reasonable film. It solidifies the comeback for Cruise as a unique presence in American cinema and hopefully is a sign that he will do more of these kinds of austere, gripping character pieces more often in the future. This film was nearly perfect, but sadly still not made for everyone. It's an important film, as well as very entertaining. Truly a gritty, hard movie about gritty hard people

I read the book about six years before the movie came out. It is to this day the best book I have ever read. The movie adaptation wasn't bad. Brad Pitt was to die for (no pun intended) and made a fabulous Louis, and Antonio Banderas did a great job. But I'm sorry, Tom Cruise was a pathetic Lestat. His American-boy hot-rod attitude just didn't fit the role and the end with the Christian Slater thing just didn't click. The book was more descriptive and provided a better view of the vampire transformation. My advice, read the book, see the movie, then make your judgement.