Byzantium
Dir: Neil Jordan
2013
***
Neil Jordan's second Vampire film, much like his first (Interview with a Vampire) is a visual feast. The modern day neon lights contrasting against the candlelit depictions of the early 1800s work brilliantly visually, while the script and story show how life has changed very little in the time between. I'm a big fan of Neil Jordan so it's nice to see the beginnings of a return to form. That might sound harsh but he is one of the best directors working today in my opinion and the films he made in the 90's really did raise the standards. Who would have thought a Vampire film set in Hastings would be so successful? My only criticism would be some of the casting choices. I think Saoirse Ronan is great and I really like Daniel Mays who I believe is woefully underrated. I liked Gemma Arterton less in this but that might have something to do with her car-alarm sounding voice rather than her acting. Sam Riley and Jonny Lee Miller are criminally underused and I really don't know what to make of Caleb Jones yet other than I'm not sure he was right for this part. In conclusion though, a great little alternative Vampire flick.