One of the great things about deciding to write reviews for the blog is that it’s an excuse to re-watch movies I haven’t seen in a while (like I need an excuse!).
Last night’s offering was the vampire movie ‘The Hunger’ visually stunning and starring Catherine Deneuve a favourite of mine and star of one of my all-time great films Belle de Jour. She (Deneuve) oozes sexuality in this film and does nothing to dampen down the feeling only enhance it a few degrees more. The film also stars David Bowie and Susan Sarandon.
The reason this movie matters comes down to the lush gothic styling, the bold use of eroticism, the three iconic actors so perfectly cast and one of the coolest movies I've ever seen. The 80s fashion style. Lesbian sex and mostly female nudity but it gets most of my rating from the cool, almost smoky style of its sets and Deneuve's effortless blending into her role as the ageless vampire.
I mean the movie actually opens with Bauhaus performing Bela Lugosi's Dead as David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve stalk their prey and murder them by slitting their throats with blades no fang action. There isn't much of the usual vampire accessories, no crosses, wooden stakes, garlic, or Van Helsing. They do prefer the dark but don't burn up in sunlight.
We find John (Bowie) looking forward to a life of immortality little knowing Miriam’s (Deneuve) companions all age and end up as decrepit husks of bodies, confined to coffins. As he starts to age himself, he seeks out help from Dr. Sarah Roberts (Sarandon) who is conducting a research project into sleep and longevity but as they talk, he ages in front of her and he runs away. John tries to feed but fails and then turns on young girl Alice – who is to be his replacement – and kills the girl, but the aging does not stop.
Sarah visits Miriam, trying to track down John, and Miriam begins Sarah's seduction as the next companion. Miriam’s presence seems to be all around Sarah and then, in an erotically charged scene tinged with pure horror, the seduction is completed. Miriam plays the piano for them then they retire to bed and whilst they make love, the screen becomes full of images of blood cells and them feeding on each other, Miriam is creating a new companion. I am not going to give away the ending but I would recommend watching it again.
The Hunger may not be a perfect film, but It is clear from the first frame that it will be a visual feast for your eyes. The editing and soundtrack make for an exquisite looking film.
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