Favorite Anne Rice film adaptation: ‘Queen of the Damned’ or ‘Interview with the Vampire’?

by Claudia Dimuro

Anne Rice has written dozens of books, particularly about vampires, and quite possibly started the modern literary vampire trend. Her vampire books are currently in production for a Hulu original series. A few of her books have even received film adaptations. One’s “Queen of the Damned”—the story of a rocking vampire hunted down by his kind—and another “Interview with the Vampire”—the tale of a former man dealing with immortality. Which is your favorite?

Okay, okay, okay, “Queen of the Damned” isn’t a cinematic masterpiece. But whatever; it’s still a great time. The movie follows Lestat (Stuart Townsend), a vampire who’s awoken by the sound of a rock band. So what does he do? Becomes their lead singer and an international super star kind of because of his talents, but mostly because he’s the first “out” vampire. Again, not quality, but still fun (and also Stuart Townsend).

Like with any rock star/vampire, Lestat has a lot of groupies. One of them is a lovely paranormal researcher, Jesse (Marguerite Moreau), who wants to get turned into a creature of the night herself (and also Stuart Townsend). Unfortunately for Jesse, Lestat is already quasi-taken by the first-ever vampire, Akasha (Aaliyah), who’s a bit, shall we say, possessive.

“Queen of the Damned” is early 2000’s slinkiness at its finest. The budget for the men’s wardrobe was certainly very low, since there’s nary a shirt between them that isn’t mesh, but are we complaining? Absolutely not. While it’s certainly hooky in a lot of ways, the movie holds a lot of cool moments, a wicked soundtrack, and Korn cameo. Oh, and vampires. Why wouldn’t you watch?

Everyone’s gone through a rough period in their life. Louis, however, has it pretty bad, even by 18th century standards. He loses both his beloved wife and child all in his twenties, decides to have a few nights out to let loose, and gets turned into a blood-thirsting vampire by none other than Lestat (Tom Cruise). The one upside is that Louis’s played by peak nineties Brad Pitt, so at least he remains looking like that for the rest of eternity.

“Interview with the Vampire” is a beautifully rich story of how lonely forever can be. Sure, you have a Kristen Dunst playing a bratty vampire named Claudia (what a name!) to keep you company, but eventually she and everyone you care about dies. Then you try to tell the world your story, and the guy interviewing you just doesn’t get the moral of the tale. Being a perpetually beautiful Brad Pitt is hard, you guys.

Similar to “Queen of the Damned,” “Interview with the Vampire” is a total beef fest, but it’s a beef fest with substance. Should you find yourself pining for the chance to live as an immortal as well, remember Louis’s words, and proceed with caution.
