The Addiction (1995) Movie Review
Written by: ML
Edited by: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Abel Ferrara
Producers: Preston L. Holmes, Russell Simmons, Denis Hann, Fernando Sulichin, Antony Blinken
Writers: Nicholas St. John
Date Released: October 4, 1995
Cast:
Lili Taylor as Kathleen Conklin
Christopher Walken as Peina
Annabella Sciorra as Casanova
Edie Falco as Jean
Paul Calderon as Professor
Fredro Starr as Black
Kathryn Erbe as Anthropology Student
Robert W. Castle as Narrator/Priest
Rating = 3/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
The story is about a student, Kathleen, trying to earn her doctorate degree but was turned into a vampire after being bitten by a woman in a dark alley. She transforms and develops an addiction for human blood. She tries to apply her lessons in philosophy while living her life as a new vampire. She kills for hunger and to prove something within herself. Suppression, redemption, guilt, and sin are the recurring ideas in her head. Eventually, she graduates and earns her degree while still being a vampire.
Gore Factor
Since this is a black and white movie, the blood is not that appealing to see. But being about vampires, there is a good amount of blood. The most notable ones include the first vampire bite which was shown as an open wound, taking out her own tooth, and the super bloody drinking orgy during the graduation party.
The Grave Review
This is a new take on the vampire story. It has the same elements such as bloodlust, having no reflection, fear of sunlight, super strength, but no fangs and no hissing sounds. It focuses on the addiction for human blood through biting and sucking.
Another new thing about this movie is that it did not follow norms. It was shot in black and white which made it look more gothic and scary.
On the acting side, Lili Taylor did an awesome job being the starring role. She clearly showed her transformation from being a shy student to an improving vampire day by day. Though having a short moment in the story, Christopher Walken’s character was intriguing being a vampire expert in suppressing his blood addiction.
Speaking of his short moment which could’ve been better if he was able to have more exposure, another problem is that this movie might not appeal to all audiences because of its mix with philosophy and deep thought. The dialogues are full of references from philosophers and might be too deep for the casual horror viewers. The ending scene might also be a bit confusing after coming from a great vampire party sequence.
If there is a thing to love about this movie, it is how the filmmakers were able to incorporate philosophical ideas with a vampire story. In fact, this could be an educational philosophy movie that should be discussed in class rather than just be categorized as a horror movie. The black and white cinematography also added to its gothic and art film feel.
Again, being so deep into the philosophies of life, the movie also ended with a philosophical scene which showed what Kathleen had learned from her personal experiences and what she learned from Peina. It will definitely make audiences think about the character’s actions towards the end.
Overall, this movie is recommended if you are into philosophy and a different kind of vampire story.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews give The Addiction (1995) three graves out of five graves.
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