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| Image from:http://teaser-trailer.com/movie/twilight-2-new-moon/ |
Vampire fiction has been a part of culture for centuries. Through myths, folklore and literature, vampirism has forged a firm niche in popular entertainment. Particularly since Irish man Abraham "Bram" Stoker brought us the terrifying and thrilling Dracula; vampires have waned in and out of fashion while retaining their place in the public consciousness.
In recent years films such as The Lost Boys, Fright Night and Interview with a Vampire, to name but a few have seen great success. The feisty vampire slayer Buffy who adorned our screens from 1997-2003 reached a huge audience, bringing vampire fiction into the noughties. Yet lately vampirism has reached a “tipping point” and dominates all levels of popular entertainment. True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and need I mention The Twilight Saga heralds an unprecedented surge in vampire fans (or fanatics!)
Twilight being the “saga” it is deserves particular attention. The last film Eclipse (2010) earned a domestic total gross of $300,531,751 and is but a drop in the ocean of the mounting mega profit that the brand is making. Indeed, this is an example of the relationship between capitalism and film making at its peak. There is an overwhelming desire to start ranting about the down right disgraceful standardisation of culture which surrounds us. Yet I’m going to quell it and admit right here and now I’m a fan: I’ve read the books, I‘ve seen the films and will go to see the final two.
And yes, I really do get the Robert Pattinson attraction. There was a time when I wouldn’t have admitted that but since last Christmas when someone kindly mortified me by getting me a Twilight/Robert Pattinson annual I said to myself: what’s the point hiding it, I’m obviously not doing a good job of it. With websites and fan pages to cater for all ages there is no disputing the popularity of Twilight across the board. You’ve got:www.twighlightmoms.com;www.bellaandedward.com;www.twilightfansite.net; www.edwardsmeadow.com; www.twilightanaoymous.com; and a million more. However, don’t be fooled by that last one, they won’t help you’re addiction, they’ll feed it. According to their motto, “we don’t want a cure”. In an attempt to over take the plethora of fan sites and official site has been established - www.twilighttimecapsule.com - where ordinary people can use our “personal memories” to become “part of Twilight saga history”.
The vampirism of True Blood conveys the usual issues of desire, identity, alienation, intemperance in such a liberated way one almost blushes when viewing. The sexual liberation of the petite but powerful Sooki Stackhouse is a huge part of the show. Buffy was also a strong female character actively pursuing and killing vampires yet these defiant and strong females stand in stark contrast with Bella Swan, the leading lady of Twilight. Through Bella we see a reaffirmation of patriarchal social structure. Her own inner narrative along with the surrounding actions of others situates her as powerless. In the second film New Moon her weakness is portrayed as she has a full scale mental breakdown, gets lost in the woods and has to be rescued yet again by more men.
This traditional damsel in distress routine is further amplified through Edward’s “traditional” values. So traditional, in fact, that he goes against all we know about vampires and sex and refuses to do the deed until he’s made an honest woman out of her. Despite Bella’s inner cringes, she and Edward take the most old fashioned route to an extraordinary life. Yet even post marriage they can’t just enjoy their desire for each other, why? because she’s pregnant within five minutes( I really hope I haven’t ruined the ending for anyone! but I’m presuming most of ye have seen the trailers) All in all Bella is nearer to the virtuous damsels corrupted by predatory Dracula style characters than a modern representation of female sexuality today. Yet in Twilight even our leading male vampire is watered down, old fashioned and a bit of a prude.
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| Image from:josepherdon.blogspot.com |
But why are we so obsessed? Is it because vampirism lends us an escape into another world of sexual freedom, excitement, and rejection of the societal conforms of daily life? Or is it because more and more vampirism plays on our fears and insecurities? Bella Swan’s obsession with ageing is a constant narrative as she pesters any willing vampire to change her so she can remain forever a teenager like her perfect, sparkling boyfriend. We are increasingly being told our bodies are not perfect enough and our skin isn’t young enough yet on screen we see the perfect albeit fictional solution to all these problems: become a vampire. Vampires don’t have to worry about wrinkles and guaranteed they don’t have cellulite.
In any case keep you’re garlic and holy water handy, or, if vampires are as hot as they are in the movies maybe ditch the slayer paraphernalia and crack open a Tru-Blood (www.trubeverage.com) instead!
A few Vampire films should you wish to stray beyond Twilight this Halloween:
-Dracula (1931)
-The Lost Boys (1987)
-Fright Night (1985) or (2011)
-Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
-Blade (1998)
