Cinema Review: Queen of the Damned (From Penarth Times)

Cinema Review: Queen of the Damned

FOLLOWING her performance in Romeo Must Die, it looked as if R 'n' B star Aaliyah would become a respected actress.

However, following her tragic death late last year, she seems to have become more popular than ever, which is one of the reasons why Queen of the Damned has become a huge hit in the US.

Vampire Lestat has just risen with a thirst for love. To do this, he gains himself a celebrity status by becoming a rock star. However, he gives away many vampire secrets in his lyrics, which makes others rise, including the evil Queen Akasha. Also, librarian Jesse Reeves gets caught up in this while becoming obsessed with Lestat's antics.

The film has clearly taken inspiration from the likes of Marilyn Manson, Silence of the Lambs and just about every other vampire film to date.

The script has left director Michael Ryman struggling, because none of the characters are fully established, leaving the audience unsure of their intentions, feelings and existence.

Ryman's visual style is brilliant as he mixes MTV-style shots with raw, gritty atmospheres.

His direction in the rock concert scene is amazing, but apart from that, he struggles to work with the script.

Overall, the film has basically taken too much inspiration which has left it feeling unoriginal.

Goths will enjoy the vampires and heavy soundtrack, while others will gladly disconnect their brains and relax.

But to make a successful vampire film today, you need a magnificent script, which sadly, this film hasn't got!