‘Interview with the Vampire’ 30th anniversary: Remembering Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise’s gothic horror flick
It’s been three decades since some of Hollywood’s hottest young actors, as well as an up-and-coming young actress, came together to surprise us with a sensual and thrilling gothic horror flick. “Interview with the Vampire” hit theaters on November 11, 1994, almost 20 years after Anne Rice’s debut novel was published. Read on for more about the “Interview with the Vampire” 30th anniversary.
Rice wrote “Interview with the Vampire” after the death of her five-year-old daughter from leukemia, reworking a short story she had written a few years prior. The homoerotic novel about vampires Louis de Pointe du Lac and his sire Lester de Lioncourt was first published in 1976, with the film rights obtained at that time. After years in development hell, Warner Bros. secured the rights, and brought in “The Crying Game” director Neil Jordan, who rewrote Rice’s script, although she retained credit. Jordan brought together a diverse group of actors, some of whom were already well-known, and some of whom audiences were just getting to know.
More from GoldDerby
After receiving critical praise for his roles in films like “A River Runs Through It” (1992) and “Kalifornia” (1993), Brad Pitt was just establishing himself as a bankable star when he was cast as Louis alongside 1980s heartthrob Tom Cruise as Lestat. The relationship between the two vampires is equal parts cat-and-mouse, as Lestat enjoys toying with his reluctant protege, and loving companions bound to each other. Although Pitt was uncomfortable in the dreary role of the morose vampire who is sharing his tale of warning with a reporter, he holds his own against the man who was already a huge Hollywood star. The film launched Pitt to a new level of fame and he would receive his first Academy Award nomination (in supporting, for “12 Monkeys”) just a little over a year after the release of “Interview with a Vampire.”
SEE ‘Interview with the Vampire’ Season 2 finally has a premiere date
Although it’s hard to remember a time when Pitt’s star wasn’t shining as brightly as his co-star’s, it is apparent why Cruise’s name receives top billing at this time. The actor had made a name for himself in coming-of-age-classics like “Risky Business” (1983), and cemented himself as a leading man in “Top Gun” (1986), “Rain Man” (1988), “A Few Good Men” (1992), and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989), the film which earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Despite his impressive credits, Rice was not convinced he was the right choice for her Lestat, and suggested other actors — and even the possibility of Cruise and Pitt changing roles. But from the time Cruise’s blonde-haired, steely-eyed vampire slithers onto the screen, he is captivating to the point that Rice publicly apologized for doubting him. Now largely known for his more heroic action roles, especially in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, it’s somewhat jarring to see him as the duplicitous vampire who relishes the kill and is comically annoyed by his protege’s lack of bloodlust, but he plays the vampire with an aplomb that surprised both critics and his fans.
Christian Slater had also made a name for himself by 1994, becoming known for playing off-beat and troubled youths in films like “Heathers” (1988) and “Pump Up the Volume” (1990). He was not, however, the original choice for the role of interviewer Daniel Molloy, who is fascinated by Louis’s centuries-old tale. River Phoenix was cast, but died just two weeks before he was scheduled to begin shooting. Slater initially felt uneasy about accepting the role under the circumstances, and chose to donate his salary from the film to two of Phoenix’s favorite charities.
SEEBrad Pitt movies: 26 greatest films ranked worst to best
Kirsten Dunst had appeared in a handful of films when she was cast as Claudia, a character that resembles the daughter Rice lost. As a child turned into a vampire by Lestat and doted on by her two “dads,” Dunst’s curly blonde hair and demur smile belie the murderous nature honed by Lestat. As the years past, Claudia realizes she is cursed to mature in mind, but is forever trapped in a young girl’s body, and turns her vengeance on the vampire who doomed her to that fate. At just 12 years old, Dunst convincingly delivers adult-oriented dialogue and themes while maintaining her youthful appeal, a stellar performance that was recognized with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas had risen to fame through his collaborations with director Pedro Almodovar, most notably “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!” (1989), and was just becoming known to American audiences in films like “Philadelphia” (1993). Cast as Armand, Banderas found a new fanbase with his sensual portrayal of the centuries-old vampire, who runs a theatrical group of vampires that plays into the fate of Claudia and Louis.
Besides Dunst’s Golden Globe nomination, the film’s music score received Golden Globe and Oscar bids; it was also honored with an Oscar notice for art direction. And it remains a guilty pleasure all these years later — which would surely please Lestat.
SIGN UP for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Best of GoldDerby
Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
