|
|
ON ANTONIO BANDERAS:
As Armand, he gave the role an original interpretation, quite different from mine in the book or the script, but it worked for me as an interpretation of unique and spectacular charm. Antonio had the magnetism of a master vampire. He had the quiet confidence and the obvious power to spellbind. He redeemed the Theatre of the Vampires scene I think, with his sheer authority. He embodied the mystery of Armand and Armand's particular brand of utterly pragmatic evil. We know why he did what he did; we know it was bad; but in a way we can understand him.
I would have preferred to see his beautiful curly hair as it appears in HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS, or PHILADELPHIA. But he was overwhelmingly successful as Armand, ``the oldest surviving vampire in the world.'' The readers have totally embraced him in this part. I hope he will move into the next film and maybe without the black wig? But he can come on any terms as far as I'm concerned.
He was in the film so briefly that I can truly say my favorite moments with Antonio were all of his moments. But to those who have flipped over this actor, let me recommend again HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS and PHILADELPHIA. There you will see more of our Armand than in IWTV.
ON STEPHEN REA:
This actor was quite marvelous as Santiago, which is not a sympathetic role at all, and in one scene Stephen makes cinema history. This is the scene where Brad Pitt steps out of the airwell, having seen the ashes collapse. Brad looks at Stephen. Stephen smiles. Who will ever forget the malice of that smile? (Or the pain in Brad's face.) Incredible.
Truly one of the staggering moments of the film.
ON CHRISTIAN SLATER:
He is utterly convincing as the interviewer and he made the story all the more powerful by his entirely understandable reactions to the tale. For me, he was plenty young enough to be Daniel Molloy, and I hope we'll see him in TVL too, but again, I don't know. Like Antonio, Christian is in the film so briefly that I can truly say my favorite moments with him are all of his moments.
MINOR PLAYERS:
All flawless as far as I'm concerned. There was never a false word from anybody. Quite a back up for the stars. The quadroon, Yvette, seemed real Louisiana. No simple thing. They were all good, really.
In
sum, the cast of this film contained actors of undeniable talent, charisma
and near enchanting manner. The performances alone are worth the price
of admission as far as I'm concerned.
This
section last modified 11-11-99
|
