31 Days of October, Day 29

Every time I think I'm not going to be able to keep this up, my memory burps up another ten movies. It's kind of funny. Anyway, today's list is the vampire edition--yes, in spite of the fact that vampires are so over done that they tend to bore me. :) I think largely I'm merely super picky. First up: Byzantium.

This is such an under-rated movie, and I love how it explores misogyny and the roles women were forced into in the past. The mother-daughter ties stretch and contract between the two characters like a rubber band at the limits of its plasticity. Both actresses are exceptional. It's a wonderful, moody film. See it, if you haven't. Watch it again, if you have. Now is a great social climate for it.

And now, Only Lovers Left Alive. 

This one is all about the gloomy atmosphere, the relationship between the two main vampires, and the music. Don't expect gigantic explosions, action scenes, and vast amounts of plot drama. This isn't that kind of film. (And really, is there a need in this case?) I did enjoy the added family drama since I can seriously relate to it. Also, I've a friend who owns a house not unlike that one. (He's renovating it.) Anyway, Only Lovers Left Alive is a fun bit of literary fog, and I enjoy the music. And did I mention Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, and Anton Yelchen? Yum.

Next, I have another one of those sets of paired films. To get the full experience, start with Nosferatu (1922).

Yes. It's a silent movie. I suggest a version that pairs it with great music. Also, keep in mind the date. This film is highly influential and was extremely innovative for its time. Remember that all the special effects are physic effects. They didn't have computer animation. The film itself has a great back story, in that Bram Stoker's widow (rightfully) had all the copies they could find destroyed for copyright infringement. Just like its namesake, the film wouldn't die. Instead, it got into the hands of Hollywood execs. As a result Dracula (1931) was made.

After you've seen that, follow it up with Shadow of a Vampire (2000).

I adore this movie. It's done with such loving detail. Whole scenes are replicated from the original--which is something you'll miss if you don't see Nosferatu first. Every actor is brilliant in it--absolutely brilliant, and the ending is perfect.