There was a backlash against the actor at the time
Netflix has recently added one of the greatest vampire films ever, to its vast library making a cult classic, which originally hit UK cinemas in 1995, is now available for streaming.
Interview With The Vampire unfolds from the perspective of a vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac, portrayed by Brad Pitt. He narrates his two-century-long life story to a reporter, simply referred to as ‘the boy’ and played by Christian Slater.
The narrative is relayed through a series of flashbacks, starting from 1791 when Louis was a plantation owner in Louisiana.
Following the tragic loss of his wife and child, a grief-stricken Louis roams the streets at night, only to be attacked by a vampire named Lestat de Lioncourt, played by Tom Cruise. Lestat turns Louis into a vampire, and they become immortal companions. The film traces their life together, including their unconventional adoption of a young girl, brilliantly portrayed by an 11 year old Kirsten Dunst, reports Surrey Live.
The movie is based on Anne Rice’s 1976 novel of the same name, for which she also wrote the screenplay. Interestingly, Rice initially opposed Cruise’s casting as Lestat and even attended a protest against it.
A group of her fans rallied at an event, urging others to sign a petition boycotting the film. Caught up in the fervour, Rice joined in and publicly criticised Cruise’s casting, branding him too short and with a voice too high-pitched to portray Lestat.
However, Rice had a change of heart after actually viewing the film and penned an open letter that served as something of an apology to Cruise. She wrote: ” From the moment he appeared, Tom was Lestat for me. He has the immense physical and moral presence; he was defiant and yet never without conscience; he was beautiful beyond description yet compelled to do cruel things.”
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She went on to say: “The sheer beauty of Tom was dazzling, but the polish of his acting, his flawless plunge into the Lestat persona, his ability to speak rather boldly poetic lines, and speak them with seeming ease and conviction were exhilarating and uplifting. The guy is great.”
This sentiment still resonates with fans today. One viewer, who decided to share their opinion of the film online, posted: “Beautiful movie about vampires. Probably Tom Cruise’s best performance. Who doesn’t love Brad Pitt . Kirsten Dunst steals the show. Antonio Banderas looks great in a long wig.”
One person raved about the movie: “They can remake this all they want. Or continue with making other adaptations of Anne Rice’s other books. But they will NEVER touch this movie. It is a perfect orchestration. There is no part of it that I can complain about. Tom Cruise IS Lestat. No one can out-do him on this character. Not even come close.”
The film has since become something of a cult classic within vampire film lore, noted for delving into complex relationship dynamics and moral dilemmas. Fans haven’t shied away from their admiration, as one declared: “By far one of the best vampire movies ever made. Sure Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were big stars back then but a role like this could never happen again with such awesomeness! I was never a huge Cruise or Pitt fan but I got to say this is their best performances ever.”
Another follower expressed adoration, saying: “One of the best vampire movies ever. It is right up there along side of Bram Stroker’s Dracula. Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Lestat was one of best performances ever. He should have gotten an Oscar for the part. Everybody that was in this movie should.”
Interview With The Vampire is streaming on Netflix.
