Review of:Queen of the Damned (2002)
Director:Michael Rymer
Rating:R for vampire violence
Starring:Aaliyah, Stuart Townsend, Marguerite Moreau, Claudia Black, Vincent Perez
The final film presentation by Aaliyah may well be her most noteworthy as she stars as the vampire Akasha. The sultry singer died recently in a airplane crash bringing to a screeching halt a promising film career. Queen of the Damned is an Anne Rice adaptation such as An interview with a vampire from the Vampire Chronicles.
The story starts with the introduction of the Vampire Lestat. His attitude could be considered that of one who is self indulgent in enjoying the things that satisfy his fancy. When he is transformed into the Vampire Lestat his personality doesn't change. He still wishes to be a free floating human enjoying all of the thrills, and chills like everyone else. His maker is the vampire Marius (played by Vincent Perez). His outlook is that to live a long life you must hide your true identity from the human race. Unsatisfied with this prospect the vampire Lestat goes into hibernation until he hears a sound that catches his ear. Rock and Roll brings the vampire out of his coffin, and upon the waking world. Loving the changes that he sees in the world around him he decides to become a rocker.
His carefree actions, and his giving away of Vampire secrets doesn't go unnoticed. The vampire community prepares to silence Lestat any way possible. But alas there is one other who believes that the time of the vampires should be revealed upon the world.
Unknowingly to Lestat she is a resident of the vampire Marius's secret cellar. Lestat bonds with her, and puts into action a series of events that could be costly for anyone who doesnt' follow her. The movie at least tries to give you a different viewpoint of vampires. Aaliyah is regal as the Queen of the Vampires with a walk that could put a runway model to shame. The action is fair, but the special effects could be pumped up a little bit more.
The beauty of this film that could have easily become a “whodunit” is the incredible acting that is behind each of the main characters. Especially transfixing is Sean Penn who captivates when on screen. Playing a character who embraces the lawless of man as quickly as he can embrace the structure of society. He provides the emotional charge to the film‚ and we feel for him when he loses his daughter. Tim Robbins as Dave Boyle also brings about a performance that is equally transfixing. His slow‚ almost lost actions give you the amount of doubt necessary to wonder what side he is playing ball on.
Many of us have had experiences in our past lives that have scarred us in some way. Clint Eastwood does an excellent job bringing that pain to the screen‚ molding it‚ and presenting it in such a fashion that realism abounds. Catch it now or catch it later‚ but come Academy time‚ this film will be on the ballot.
