"Made for TV" movies haven't exactly had a high reputation for much of the medium's history; meaning no disrespect to Richard Lynch, the roles he had taken on over the years weren't always in movies that were particularly well regarded, either. This isn't entirely fair in either instance, as there are plenty of counterexamples, but there is truth in such generalities nonetheless. So what about a picture starring Lynch, about vampires, airing in a medium that was long known for toning down its content? I don't think it's anything particularly special, not least as it toys with all the common story ideas we see not just in horror specifically but in thrillers generally, but it's not bad! 'Vampire' isn't about to change the world and is less likely to satisfy genre purists, but for something relatively light and uninvolved it's a decent enough way to spend a bit of time.
The set-up is familiar as a creature of the night stalks the city (present-day San Francisco), select individuals aim to oppose him, and due to the vampire's mastery of deceit and manipulation our heroes find opposition in the laws and norms of society, and in the allies he creates. Writers Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll may be playing in familiar territory, yet their screenplay is solid, with excellent scene writing, a duly compelling narrative, and fine dialogue and characters. In a like manner, E. W. Swackhamer's direction is fairly splendid, and Dennis Dalzell's cinematography; some specific shots and scenes are especially well done. And I'm glad to say that the cast, too, earns my favor - not just Lynch, but also Jason Miller, E. G. Marshall, Jessica Walter, Barrie Youngfellow, and others. In all these capacities some moments might be weaker than others, but overall there are no abject flaws here.
I should say - while there are no abject flaws, I suppose what ails 'Vampire' most of all is the lack of a big spark to help it count, and stand out. The television medium is no aid as the feature is inhibited from major displays of blood, gore, violence, or sensuality, as we might well expect in any cinematic feature of a like tenor, and what we get in their place is a considerable amount of dialogue. On top of that, whether it's the direction, the writing, the demands of the producers, or something else or some combination thereof, few moments herein bear the vitality to truly capture one's imagination. Whether the villain is using his powers, or a dramatic or emotional beat is laid before us, or anything else, this has difficulty making the gravity and impact be felt. The trouble with this 1979 flick isn't any discrete problem, but simply insufficient conveyance of the weight the tale should carry. In fairness, once the third act rolls around, it rather immediately kicks off with a short scene that carries more power than the entire preceding hour managed, and the last third at large is notably stronger than what preceded it - at last, the desired value, and at the climax not least.
When all is said and done the film is perhaps more appropriately described as a drama with horror flavoring. Which is fine! I've seen some terrific horror-dramas! That this one doesn't leave a huge mark is unfortunate, yet it's capably made, and is suitably enjoyable for anyone with a taste for the genre and who is receptive to any and all varieties that might come with it. It's not an altogether great TV movie, but it's quite a good and satisfying one all the same; this isn't one of the best things Lynch has ever done, but both in terms of his performance and the overall quality the result is appreciable. It may not be something that one needs to go out of their way to see, but it's earnestly entertaining even with its more modest nature, and a swell credit to those involved. 'Vampire' doesn't reinvent anything, but nor has it any such need to be able to succeed and sate one's craving for genre fare. I had mixed expectations when I sat to watch but ultimately I like it, and that's good enough for me.
The set-up is familiar as a creature of the night stalks the city (present-day San Francisco), select individuals aim to oppose him, and due to the vampire's mastery of deceit and manipulation our heroes find opposition in the laws and norms of society, and in the allies he creates. Writers Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll may be playing in familiar territory, yet their screenplay is solid, with excellent scene writing, a duly compelling narrative, and fine dialogue and characters. In a like manner, E. W. Swackhamer's direction is fairly splendid, and Dennis Dalzell's cinematography; some specific shots and scenes are especially well done. And I'm glad to say that the cast, too, earns my favor - not just Lynch, but also Jason Miller, E. G. Marshall, Jessica Walter, Barrie Youngfellow, and others. In all these capacities some moments might be weaker than others, but overall there are no abject flaws here.
I should say - while there are no abject flaws, I suppose what ails 'Vampire' most of all is the lack of a big spark to help it count, and stand out. The television medium is no aid as the feature is inhibited from major displays of blood, gore, violence, or sensuality, as we might well expect in any cinematic feature of a like tenor, and what we get in their place is a considerable amount of dialogue. On top of that, whether it's the direction, the writing, the demands of the producers, or something else or some combination thereof, few moments herein bear the vitality to truly capture one's imagination. Whether the villain is using his powers, or a dramatic or emotional beat is laid before us, or anything else, this has difficulty making the gravity and impact be felt. The trouble with this 1979 flick isn't any discrete problem, but simply insufficient conveyance of the weight the tale should carry. In fairness, once the third act rolls around, it rather immediately kicks off with a short scene that carries more power than the entire preceding hour managed, and the last third at large is notably stronger than what preceded it - at last, the desired value, and at the climax not least.
When all is said and done the film is perhaps more appropriately described as a drama with horror flavoring. Which is fine! I've seen some terrific horror-dramas! That this one doesn't leave a huge mark is unfortunate, yet it's capably made, and is suitably enjoyable for anyone with a taste for the genre and who is receptive to any and all varieties that might come with it. It's not an altogether great TV movie, but it's quite a good and satisfying one all the same; this isn't one of the best things Lynch has ever done, but both in terms of his performance and the overall quality the result is appreciable. It may not be something that one needs to go out of their way to see, but it's earnestly entertaining even with its more modest nature, and a swell credit to those involved. 'Vampire' doesn't reinvent anything, but nor has it any such need to be able to succeed and sate one's craving for genre fare. I had mixed expectations when I sat to watch but ultimately I like it, and that's good enough for me.