The utterance of the word "Vampire Movie" likely creates a strong irritation for a number of moviegoers around the world. Despite some strong features such as "Let The Right One In (The Swedish version that is)," the genre has been dominated by the often-ridiculed and much despised (or adored) "Twilight" movies. Fortunately, Neil Jordan, a vampire filmmaking legend from the past, has returned to reinstate the genre to the level of respect it deserves with his latest film "Byzantium."
"Interview With a Vampire" is one of the most celebrated vampire films of all time and Jordan brings his experience with the genre to his latest hit. "Byzantium" tells the tale of Clara (Gemma Arterton) and Eleanor Webb (Saoirse Ronan), two vampires attempting to find a place where they can live without fear. As the film begins, a mysterious vampire tracks down Clara and threatens to kill her daughter. Clara decapitates the man and burns down the apartment building. Together with Eleanor, the two run off to a new town and settle down thanks to the aid of lonely Noel (Daniel Mays), a man who has recently inherited his mothers' broken down hotel. Clara starts to turn the place into a brothel.
Despite vampires playing a major role in the film, "Byzantium" emphasizes the strained relationship between a mother and her daughter. Clara repeatedly tells the world that she is Eleanor's sister, a lie that defines everything about her. She does not want to reveal who they are and she does not want her daughter to do so either. In fact, Clara is adamant that she will kill anyone who knows the truth and always keeps her word. Her vigilance is not arbitrary. Clara knows that the revelation of their secret would do one of two things: create rejection or give notice to the other vampires tracking them down. Unfortunately, her teenage daughter remains stuck in that emotional mindset and wants the acceptance of others through the truth. While Eleanor wants others to understand and know her as a vampire, Clara believes that deception is the only way to survive.
The rift in the relationship is further accentuated by the lack of clear roles and the identity crisis it creates for Eleanor. The youngster grew up in an orphanage and was eventually rescued by her mother (she suffers from another trauma as well that is revealed in the film). However, Clara constantly introduces herself as Eleanor's sister; another lie that likely creates a sense of rejection for Eleanor. More importantly, Clara does not behave like any of these roles toward Eleanor. In their first scene, the two characters yell at each other furiously. The violent vocal outbursts permeate the film with Clara never making any attempt to reconcile the differences with her daughter.
The relationship also points to a number of unique existential questions about immortality. Despite being able to live forever, the two characters are constantly on the run and never able to live honest lives. Moreover, a revelation of their beings would cause them to suffer immensely and potentially die. As a result, they are forced into a perpetual cycle of living as nomads; their long life turns into a trap and a curse. They are unable to have a true identity and must constantly live alone. Those that can live without fear and without lies can live with others; those who must hide their lives are always unable to trust other people and must as a result live without them.
The film starts off in a cryptic manner. The story jumps around from Eleanor to Clara and then whips back in time through voice-over narration. Its quick tempo makes the film somewhat confusing, but Jordan maintains a sense of propulsion and continually reveals new information in this complex jigsaw puzzle.
"Byzantium" is filled with powerful imagery; the most prominent image is of a waterfall turning red with the blood of a new victim. The imagery recurs throughout the film, but is equally resonant each time it appears. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt desaturates the world and gives it grimy, faded perspective. Even images of a carnival lack the vitality of the locale with its colors seeming lifeless.
Gemma Arterton delivers a tour-de-force performance as Clara. She moves about with confidence and self-importance and her glares are menacing and violent. Everything about her character is loud and extroverted including her voluminous voice, her clothing, and her fighting style. The viewer almost always expects for her to burst into a violent tirade and her mere presence in a scene creates tremendous suspense. However, Arterton manages to infuse the character with hints of tenderness, including a brief moment where she sings to her daughter on a truck.
Saoirse Ronan is the polar opposite: she is quiet, introverted, and frail. She speaks in hushed tones and her eyes are eternally ponderous; even though the voiceover dictates a lot of the story to the viewer, Ronan's eyes provide the viewer with a sea of nuance about Eleanor's trapped state.
"Byzantium" is an engaging analysis of mother-daughter relationships in the world of the vampire genre. The film further elaborates on the pains and difficulties of immortality and questions whether the imprisoning state it creates makes it worthwhile. The journey its characters undertake will certainly shock and entertain the viewer during its duration, but the film's underlying themes will maintain it in the collective consciousness for far longer.
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