Neil Jordan’s Interview with the Vampire (1994) is a moody, gothic, and deeply philosophical horror-drama that dives into the tormented lives of immortal vampires. Based on Anne Rice’s novel of the same name, the film explores themes of love, loss, morality, and existential dread through the eyes of its melancholy protagonist.
Detailed Summary
Opening: A Tale Begins in San Francisco
The film begins in modern-day San Francisco, where a young reporter, Daniel Molloy (Christian Slater), interviews Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt), who claims to be a vampire. Louis begins recounting his life story, plunging the viewer into the late 18th-century New Orleans.
Transformation: Louis Becomes a Vampire
In 1791, grieving the death of his wife and child, Louis is a broken man, welcoming death. He encounters Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise), a charismatic yet predatory vampire who offers him the “dark gift” of immortality. Louis accepts and is turned into a vampire, but he is horrified by the bloodlust and violence that come with it. While Lestat revels in killing, Louis feeds only on animals, wrestling with guilt and his fading humanity.
Enter Claudia: The Child Vampire
During a plague, Louis bites a young girl named Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), and Lestat turns her into a vampire to keep Louis from leaving. Claudia appears eternally five but grows mentally into a cunning, intelligent woman trapped in a child’s body. Her complex relationship with Louis (as a father figure) and Lestat (as a manipulative creator) evolves into resentment and fury.
Eventually, Claudia rebels against Lestat’s control and attempts to kill him with poisoned blood and fire. She and Louis flee to Europe, seeking others of their kind.
European Vampires: Armand and the Théâtre des Vampires
In Paris, Louis and Claudia meet a coven of vampires led by the enigmatic Armand (Antonio Banderas), who performs in the Théâtre des Vampires. Claudia is wary, sensing danger, and her suspicions are right: the Parisian vampires discover Claudia’s crime against Lestat and see it as a violation of vampire law.
In a haunting sequence, Claudia and her new companion Madeleine are executed by exposure to sunlight. Louis, in a grief-fueled rage, takes revenge by burning the theatre and its inhabitants.
Ending of Louis’ Tale
Louis continues his lonely existence, eventually encountering a weakened and bitter Lestat hiding in New Orleans. Still clinging to old ways, Lestat begs Louis to stay, but Louis refuses. Back in the present day, the reporter is amazed by Louis’ tale and wants to become a vampire himself. Louis, disgusted, attacks him but doesn’t kill him. As the reporter flees, Lestat ambushes him, revives him with his own blood, and reclaims his flair, vowing to teach him a bit of “perspective.”
Movie Ending
The film ends on a chillingly ironic note, as Lestat regains his strength and charm just in time to potentially start a new chapter—with the journalist as his next companion or victim. Louis, meanwhile, remains lost in eternal reflection, an immortal burdened by the weight of conscience.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Interview with the Vampire does not include a post-credits scene. The story concludes with Lestat’s ambush on the journalist just before the credits roll, wrapping up the narrative with a gothic flourish.
Type of Movie
The film is a gothic horror drama, rich in atmosphere and psychological depth. It blends supernatural elements with existential questions, portraying immortality not as a gift, but as a deeply haunting curse.
Cast
- Tom Cruise as Lestat de Lioncourt
- Brad Pitt as Louis de Pointe du Lac
- Kirsten Dunst as Claudia
- Antonio Banderas as Armand
- Christian Slater as Daniel Molloy
- Stephen Rea as Santiago
Film Music and Composer
The haunting, baroque score was composed by Elliot Goldenthal, perfectly matching the film’s lush, melancholic aesthetic. The soundtrack includes sweeping orchestral pieces and even a surprise rock twist with Guns N’ Roses covering “Sympathy for the Devil” during the credits.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in several atmospheric locations:
- New Orleans, Louisiana – Vital for its historical authenticity and connection to the original novel.
- Paris, France – Used for the Théâtre des Vampires scenes, capturing the grandeur and decadence of old-world Europe.
- San Francisco, California – Used for the modern-day interview scenes.
The rich and moody cinematography captures these settings with lush lighting and period-accurate details that immerse the viewer in every era.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards Nominations:
- Best Art Direction
- Best Original Score
- Golden Globe Win:
- Best Supporting Actress – Kirsten Dunst (Nominated, not won, but heavily praised for her breakout performance)
- BAFTA Nominations:
- Best Cinematography
- Best Costume Design
- Best Production Design
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Anne Rice initially criticized the casting of Tom Cruise as Lestat but later praised his performance after seeing the film.
- River Phoenix was originally cast as Daniel but tragically passed away; Christian Slater took the role and donated his salary to Phoenix’s favorite charities.
- Kirsten Dunst was only 11 years old during filming but delivered one of the most mature and complex performances of the film.
- Tom Cruise underwent hours of makeup and even wore custom-made fangs that were reportedly very painful.
- The production imported tons of antique props from Europe to ensure historical accuracy.
Inspirations and References
- Based directly on Anne Rice’s novel Interview with the Vampire (1976).
- Rice’s book was inspired by her own grief following the death of her daughter, infusing Claudia’s character with deep emotional resonance.
- The gothic aesthetic draws heavily from classic vampire lore and European romanticism, reminiscent of Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Several deleted scenes explore more of Louis and Claudia’s travels in Europe.
- A longer sequence with Armand and Louis discussing vampire philosophy was trimmed for pacing.
- No official alternate ending was filmed, but Anne Rice’s original screenplay included more internal monologues from Louis.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- The film closely follows the novel but omits some deeper philosophical explorations.
- In the book, Armand is much younger (physically) and has a deeper emotional connection with Louis.
- Claudia’s relationship with Louis is more complex in the book, touching subtly on romantic tension, which the film tones down.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Claudia’s first kill and the subsequent realization of her vampiric nature.
- Louis setting fire to the Théâtre des Vampires in a dramatic act of vengeance.
- Lestat playing the piano after his return, half-decayed and bitter.
- Claudia cutting her hair, only for it to regrow instantly—a metaphor for her eternal prison in a child’s body.
Iconic Quotes
- Louis: “You see, I was a man once.”
- Lestat: “Evil is a point of view.”
- Claudia: “I want some more.”
- Armand: “Vampires pretending to be humans pretending to be vampires—how avant-garde.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The clocks in scenes with Claudia always show the same time—symbolizing her being “frozen” in childhood.
- Lestat’s red velvet wardrobe nods to historical French aristocracy and mirrors the book’s descriptions.
- The modern scenes were filmed with colder lighting to contrast the warm candle-lit tone of the past.
Trivia
- Anne Rice wrote the screenplay herself.
- The film was nominated for over 30 awards worldwide.
- Claudia’s wardrobe changes more than any other character’s—emphasizing her growing intellect and frustration with her unchanging body.
- Tom Cruise practiced violin for a scene that was ultimately cut.
Why Watch?
If you love dark, emotionally charged stories that blend the supernatural with deeply human themes, this is a must-watch. Interview with the Vampire is not just about fangs and blood—it’s about regret, love, loss, and the crushing weight of eternity. It’s gorgeous to look at, with powerful performances and a script that refuses to shy away from hard questions.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Crying Game (1992)
- Michael Collins (1996)
- The End of the Affair (1999)
- Byzantium (2012)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Let the Right One In (2008)
- Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
- The Hunger (1983)
- Crimson Peak (2015)
