Release Date: February 22, 2002
Starring: Stuart Townsend, Marguerite Moreau, Aaliyah, Vincent Perez, Paul McGann, Lena Olin
Directed by: Michael Abbott
Written by: Scott Abbott, Michael Petroni
Distributed by: Warner Brothers
MPAA Rating: R (vampire violence)
Based on the second and third volumes of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles novels (although against her wishes), The Queen of the Damned begins approximately where 1994's Interview with the Vampire leaves off. Except in this adaptation, Lestat, a supporting character in Interview, becomes the protagonist, and Louis, Brad Pitt's human character in the first film, is lost, depriving Queen of the empathetic side of vampirism.
Don't misunderstand, Lestat is not shown as a merciless, bloodthirsty vampire, being as the movie is from his point of view. Rather, he embraces mankind by doing things like joining a rock band and revealing ancient vampire secrets. But these endeavors just aren't enough to create the same type of central conflict that worked so well in Interview with the Vampire.
The new film starts out with Lestat (Stuart Townsend, About Adam) coming to the realization that eternity is full of loneliness and boredom. He then forces himself into hibernation. That is, until he is awoken by a strange sound unlike anything he has heard before -- rock n' roll.
It is then that he decides to become a rock star and, through his lyrics, give away many secrets of the vampire world. This catches the attention of the vampire community and a secret society of vampire watchers, the Talamasca. Lestat's music also catches the attention of a friend from his past, Akasha (Aaliyah, Romeo Must Die), the queen of all vampires. The music prompts her resurrection and the possible damnation for both mankind and vampires alike.
Stuart Townsend doesn't hold a candle to Tom Cruise in the role of Lestat, but he is decent enough to carry the film. Which is to say he has the right look for the part, but just didn't provide the charisma that would make the audience like him as much as Cruise (however, the idea of Cruise acting like a gothic rock star, as the role calls for, is simply laughable).
As indicated by the title, though, the movie is only partly based on Lestat's story. The surprise comes from Aaliyah's performance as Akasha. She was more than capable as the sinister mother of all vampires, using fluid bodily gestures to suggest her unnerving presence to the audience.
The film was obviously aimed at a younger audience than Interview with its sharp look and uses of quick editing and Matrix-esque slow motion effects. Director Michael Rymer, known for his music videos, creates an edgy, sheik vampire movie (as opposed to the auteuristic Interview). And writer Scott Abbott should also be commended for adapting Rice's novels into an easy-to-follow and moderately entertaining experience.
Anne Rice fans will probably be satisfied with how the movie was done. I have it on good authority that there are only a few minor discrepancies between the film and the books. Perhaps older audiences won't respond very well to the style and excessive violence, and perhaps female viewers may be turned off by the lack of young, good-looking, big-name actors. But most likely, Rymer knew what he was getting himself into when he accepted the job of directing the sequel. Especially when considering the large fan base of the first film and series of books, he was damned if he did and damned if he didn't, so it's probably better than he did.
all contents © 2002 Ed Malinowski