 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
VAMPIRE NIGHT
Written, Directed, and Edited by Jason Stephens
Produced by Al Weigand and Jason Stephens
Director of Photography - Dennis DevineVezrech - Robert Michael Ryan
Peggy - Heather Metcalfe
Carl - Jimmy Jerman
Arias - Katarina Facchino
Countess Vladimira - HerselfOne of the most important things a person can do is to follow their dreams. Whether you succeed or fail is beside the point, it's knowing you took the chance that's important. But are some chances worth the risk? That's just one of the questions raised in director Jason Stephens enjoyable film, VAMPIRE NIGHT.
Someone once told Peggy she had talent as an actress after they saw her in a high school play. Ever since then she's longed for the glamour of Hollywood and Los Angeles. With her parents dead, there's nothing to hold her back from leaving her rural existence. Without a concern for her safety, she packs her suitcase and hops a bus for California.
In L.A. Peggy falls prey to a pack of Vampires masquerading as a theater troop of performance artists. Led by Vezrech and Countess Vladimira, the pack uses a local talent scout to refer unknowns and runaways back to them. Once in the hands of the pack, the unfortunate ones are used as fodder in a play where the vampires feed in front of an unsuspecting crowd.
It's not hard to see the analogy between the vampires and the typical Hollywood bloodsucker who leaches off the pockets and exploit the talents of others. Promises of stardom lull the naïve into believing they have what it takes to make it. The nature of the industry usually drains the life from the weak before they even realize what has happened, leaving them destitute and heartbroken. Don't Agents sound a lot like Lawyers?
After not hearing from his little sister, Peggy's ex-military brother, Carl, decides to track her down and kick a little vampire ass. Jimmy Jerman, who plays Carl, isn't much of an actor, but he has great screen presence. Straight from Muscle Beach, he is all biceps and attitude. It will be nice to see him in a role tailor made to fit his acting style.
Slick production values highlight the film which is marred by overacting from the supporting cast. A little restraint should have been placed on the actors. It would have added a much needed air of believability, making the film that much more effective a thriller.
Fortunately the filmmakers avoid adding their own spin to the vampire myth. Too many filmmakers today try to change the legends around in an attempt to modernize the concept. More often than not they fail. By using the classic legends and placing them in contemporary society the story not only reaffirms the other films before it, but it creates its own place along side them. This and the classic Dracula can be viewed in the same sitting without bringing about any contradictory mythologies.
I have no idea if the Stephans has a sequel planned or not, but the film does leave itself open. While I won't hold my breath, a follow-up might be nice to see. Do yourself a favor and check out VAMPIRE NIGHT to see what micro-budget filmmakers can do with a little ingenuity.
You can order VAMPIRE NIGHT for a limited time price of $15 by going directly to the Cinematrix Releasing website.