I read an article Thursday about vampires and how they “suck the life out of entertainment.” I could see where this would be true in some cases. “The Twilight Saga” is a perfect example of this.
Most of the movies that Hollywood has made, based on various novels or their own “unique” ideas, are usually disappointing and do vampires no justice.
If you want to see vampires in all their glorious, bloody malevolence, turn away from the silver screen and to the pages of books.
Yes, I said the B word. It’s okay people, despite the rumors, a book is one thing that will not “suck the life” out of your entertainment.
For example, Anne Rice’s “Vampire Chronicles” are fantastic. The series is very dark, not at all like “Twilight.” In the books, the vampires are a dynamic mix of humanity and monstrosity; they occasionally have emotions that are very human.
That being said, it is also important to know that they truly are evil creatures that take your life in order to save their own.
Rice does a great job of getting the reader to identify with her immortals, making you think vampirism wouldn’t be too bad, and then shocking you with the carnage that is the epitome of a vampire.
If you would rather have pictures to go with your gore, then I suggest the graphic novel, written by Steve Niles, “30 Days of Night.”
The story surrounds the Alaskan town of Barrow during the time of the year when the sun does not rise for an entire month. These vampires are coldblooded killers with no respect for the blood that sustains their lives, often spilling more of it than they actually drink.
This story may change your mind about vampires being “well liked citizens of their community” that later turn into monsters. These were outsiders that came into town and wreaked havoc from the very beginning.
Friday I went to see “Let Me In” in theatres. This is based on the book of the same title by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist. Hollywood’s film is also a remake of Sweden’s 2009 film “Let the Right One In.” Both of the movies were decent, though if you want the better of the two watch the Swedish version.
I am reading the book now and it is already better than both movies. It tells the story of a boy that is an outcast at school and later befriends a strange girl that hangs out near a playground at night.
This story has a very “Anne Rice” feel to it. The vampire is very human at times, often drawing you close to her, but then she does something to push you away. I can already tell it’s worth reading.
Hollywood’s “romantic” and chivalrous vampires truly are getting old – no pun intended. However, as a huge vampire fan, I urge you to check into other stories.
Perhaps while you wait for the “phenomenon to end” you will read some of the ones that I have suggested. Hopefully, that will change your mind.
