INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (1994) | Reaction & Commentary 

River Phoenix (Joaquin's brother) was originally cast as the interviewer, but passed away a month before filming began. When Christian Slater was cast to replace him, he donated his pay from the movie to River's favorite charities.

You have to remember that Claudia was trapped in the body of a child long after she acquired the awareness of an adult. There were many aspects of human existence that she never experienced first-hand, and would never GET to experience first-hand because of being an eternal child. Her resentment of Lestat is perfectly understandable when you consider that he turned her before she was old enough to have any life experience.

Anne Rice at first hated that Tom Cruise was cast as Lestat, as she figured he was only a Hollywood pretty boy, but after the film came out she apologized and praised his performance.

Claudia was 60 years old when she decided to part ways with Lestat . Imagine being that old and being trapped in a child's body ? I felt bad for her

SO HAPPY to see someone watching this movie. Young Kirsten Dunst was impressive sharing scenes with two Hollywood greats!

As a fan of the books, it still surprises me just how good Cruise was as Lestat.

In my opinion, this is the best vampire movie ever made. Also, it showed that Tom Cruise is actually a really talented actor, not just an action hero. And, this is one of the best child performances ever done on-screen.

Harmony: "Is Antonio Banderas a vampire?" Spike: "No." Harmony: "Oh. Can I make him a vampire?" Spike: "No. Wait, on second thought, yeah, go do that. Take your time. Do Melanie and the kids as well."

Before Anne Rice, it was just Dracula. She created the modern vampire. Not very often a whole genre changes in one's lifetime.

Cruise was surprisingly great as Lestat. "Maybe you shouldn't pursue fame if you're a vampire" Me, who's seen Queen of the Damned: Oh Shanelle, honey....

The movie "What We Do in the Shadows" is absolutely fantastic and hilarious. Def worth checking out sometime on the channel, you would love it.

I never heard you mention Christian Slater, he was also a heartthrob of the 80s and 90s. When this first came out, the box office draw was all the hot guys, the bonus was how amazing Kirsten Dunst was!

"The vampire is an outsider. He’s the perfect metaphor for those things. He’s someone who looks human and sounds human, but is not human, so he’s always on the margins.” - Anne Rice 🖤

I love this movie since the first time I saw it. The dark, gothic and macabre atmosphere of this movie is so spectacular to me. You don't get a lot of these type movies anymore.

Shanelle: What would you do with unlimited vampire years? Maybe I'd become a rock star. The Vampire Lestat: Rock star...that sounds like a fun idea... Seriously, the sequel is Lestat telling his origin along with his side of the Lestat/Louis relationship with the framing device of Lestat being awoken by the power of ROCK! and driven to rejoin the world to become a metal singer. But this was 1985 so we're talking Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Poison metal.

The narration and recalling of events is what really sets the tone for every scene. A melancholic tale of triumph & tragedy, perfect choice for the hallows eve season. 🦇 🎃 👾

Another great movie about immortal life that you should definitely watch if you haven't seen it is Highlander. Directed by a music video director with a soundtrack by Queen, it's a great movie about dealing with immortality.

This was the movie that solidified my admiration for Kirsten Dunst. She was amazing as an adult in a child's body!

Facts: Kisten Dunst played Claudia (who is supposed to be 5) at the age of 11. She couldn´t watch the movie in the cinemas due to the age restriction. Originally River Phoenix was casted to play the reporter Daniel Malloy, but he died before the filming started. So Christian Slater took over the part and according to Wikipedia he donated his entire salary to Phoenix's favorite charitable organizations.

So glad you're watching this! Loved it growing up. Still a comfort movie. Also you should absolutely watch the movie of what we do in the shadows, esp if you like the TV show, same universe, lots of the same writers, you can see the origin of the vibe.

Ahhh, the film that convinced my first crush that he could pull-off a frock coat. He could not.

Funny you mention becoming a rock star as a vampire because that is exactly what Lestat does in Queen of the Damned.

"I wana be a rockstar, but maybe that's a bad idea to be famous". Good news, the next book, The Vampire Lestat (maybe not the movie) may be for you

"Maybe you shouldn't pursue fame if you're a vampire?" Good news Shan! There's a sequel about that exact thing! Queen of the Damned awaits.

The AMC cable channel now has a tv series version, but Claudia is definitely older, which avoids some problems, but diminishes her conflicts as well.

I love that you said you would be a rock star if you were immortal since that’s exactly what Lestat does in the sequel books

The theater in France happened to exist at the very same time that "Grand Guignol" came into being. This theater was known for its naturalistic horror elements, but also for its macabre social commentary. They packed their shows with murder and rape and if they could think of it, even worse activities. Fans and modern-day practitioners of this theater are pretty tight, as I got to meet Slymenstra Hymen from Gwar who visited my Grand Guignol show because she happened to be producing her own around the same time. Heh, my very first production in a 105-degree building and I get to meet Slymenstra Hymen... fun days.

So, so, SO very glad to see you react to this movie - it's one of my all-time favourites! Both Brad and Tom absolutely own their roles with particularly special mention going out to Kirsten Dunst. I adore Anne Rice's 'Vampire Chronicles' and highly recommend the books. :)

You suggested that you might become a rock star if you were a vampire. In the sequel book, The Vampire Lestat, Lestat actually becomes a rock star!

The new show currently airing is really good too!

“Maybe I would become a rock star” when I tell you I absolutely CACKLED because that is EXACTLY what Lestat did

After Anne Rice saw Blade Runner (1982) she said if Interview with the Vampire ever got made into a movie she wanted only Rutger Hauer to play Lestat.

I absolutely love this movie, it’s one of my favorites of all time and it’s my number one vampire movie ever.

"Maybe I would become a Rock Star..." Okay Lestat :D When this came out, both fans and the author herself were horrified that Tom Cruise was chosen to play her most iconic vampire. Lucky for all of us, Tom Cruise demonstrated that he was much more than just a pretty face. To this day I still don't believe he would be the best possible choice...It's like Jack Reacher, having a short dude play a guy described as a giant simply won't work in the long run and yet Tom is undeniably a great actor who can easily capture a role in a singular story. Of course, it helps immensely that Anne Rice wrote this book in a very different style from her others and Toms portrayal here fits the character perfectly.

One of my all time favorites!

I always imagined a sequel to this having great potential after that ending

A bit of lore that I find interesting, in this universe when a vampire is burned by fire or the sun they will return to life if their ashes are undisturbed but will be scarred, like Lestat. If Louis hadn't touched Claudia's ashes she would have come back. That's the torture of that chamber. Each dawn they will burn but be reborn, over and over again.

If you love this vampire film, you NEED to watch Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992). It has an amazing cast which includes: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, & Keanu Reeves. This film is also directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola. Plus, this week, they are re-releacing the film in theatres for its 30th Anniversary. Gotta watch this one!

I love this film, it's so true to the book that it's one of the few adaptations where you don't need to read the book but it just helps to go deeper. Like the death of Claudia was done because Armand used Lestats delirium to order her death (he's the one who tells the Theater of the Vampyres that she attempted to kill him, a crime). Another thing you don't get is Claudia is in het 60's, she's 4 in the books when she's turned but survives until 60. Madeline, the vampire mother of sorts didn't die that quickly. It's also not revealed until Vampire Lestat that Lestat only kills evil people, there's a hint in this with the aristocrat and the old lady. Lestat survived partly because he fed on Akasha, the Queen of the Vampires, when he was shunned by Marius from feeding on her he goes to New Orleans. Armand is actually much younger than Antonio played. Claudia was Louis'last bit of humanity so when Armand orchestrated her death he took away what made Armand attracted to Louis. Sex is not a thing with vampires, they only feel with blood. The show does do well with it's update but this is much better. Brad kissing Claudia for a second isn't illegal, there's plenty of films where adults kiss a child on the lips, yes it's always a bit strange to see but it's never done in a dirty way

Growing up with bram stokers, interview, blade, and bloodlust, being adapted so rad into film was amazing luck and times, vampire were that never cool again. also with your rockstar idea you should def read these books : D

I loved Anne Rice! This movie is excellent. I’m not much of a Tom Crruise fan, but his performance is damn good in this.

Give STAR TREK a chance! Please! 🖖

"What would you do if you had unlimited vampire years... maybe I'd become a rock star" Well, about that...

Shanelle: What would you do…maybe become a Rock Star”? And thus, she predicts the plot of the 2nd volume, ‘The Vampire Lestat’! FWIW, the film Queen of the Damn actually combines plot lines from volumes 2 and 3 of the books.

The line "I could watch someone get sliced in half every day" is what made me fall in love.

I am writing this to help out Shanelle and this video and this channel with the algorithm ✌️❤️😚☺️

I just love how this story is about how being a Vampire isn't as what people think, about how it's actually a sad curse to be a Vampire. Brad, Tom and Kirsten were just so good in this film.

12:56 - I never had a need for such a visual...thanks for that.

Congratulations on finding this gem. One of the best vampire moives ever made. My personal favorite.

I was working at a movie theater when this film was first released and I still have an original movie theater poster of it, Love this movie.

Tom steals the show as Lestat. And the ending is indeed glorious.

Just watched your standup the other day, congrats for giving that a go! Well done!

The Vampire Chronicles as a series of novels had a tragic origin. In 1972, Anne Rice and her husband Stan lost their daughter, Michele to leukemia at age 5. She had been the light of their lives. In 1973, Anne had the idea for the book and began writing basing it on a previous short story she had. While she was alive, Anne had said that Claudia was very much based on Michele. It was a way that helped Anne grieve the loss of her first child. She had a son in 1978, Christopher, a published author and podcaster. Throughout the rest of the books, Lestat is her main antihero/hero/protagonist...and he tells his own side of the story in 'The Vampire Lestat', the second book. It basically contradicts a lot of Louis's story...and the new 'Interview' series on AMC reflects this with the characters and the way the show is (which is not only very different but also faithful to the spirit of the Vampire Chronicles novels). In the series Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm from Game of Thrones) is Louis, and Sam Reid is Lestat...and both are bang-on amazing. Oh...to answer about you saying you'd become a rock star...Lestat does become a rock star in 'The Vampire Lestat' which is shown in the rather bad film 'Queen of the Damned', the third book. Stuart Townsend plays Lestat, and the late R&B singer Aaliyah plays the title character, Akasha. Not worth it...really. Anne herself hated the film. There are 15 Vampire novels that tie into a few other series she had, like The Mayfair Witches novels (which are also being turned into a series on AMC starring Alexandra Daddario). Anne died in 2021 at age 80. Only two of Anne's other novels have been adapted for film...' Exit To Eden' a very erotic BDSM love story that was turned into a police comedy with Dana Delany, Rosie O'Donnell, and Dan Ackroyd and directed by Garry Marshall (yeah....that's a trainwreck, with moments that are funny and sexy), and one of her novels about Jesus Christ (I never read her Jesus books or saw the film...I just know it's out there.).

YAY... it always feels too long between yer posts I miss ya! This is a gem, Neil Jordon is an incredible beast of an underrated director, I hope you start checking out some of his back catalogue. I know $60 million might seem like a small bit today, but 'back then' it was basically shocking. I mean, spending so much on 'just' a vampire movie(?). It had felt like years since someone tackled that genre with such seriousness, and for it to be so epic in it's storytelling and marketing... that shot of the horses and feathers coming through the fog was in so much of the marketing, so austere and 'artful'. As a sidenote... after this film came out, Brad and Tom had always been on the lookout for a script that would bring them back together again. They finally found it with Ford v Ferrari. They had the director and it got so close to being made that they got as far as a table-read together. But an executive said the budget was too much and it was scrapped(!). Matt Damon and Christian Bale went on to do it (with success as well). Tom and the original director instead went off and made a wee little flick called Top Gun: Maverick instead, you might have heard of it, lol. A part of me hopes that executive got fired, not realizing they were sitting on a winning lottery ticket, Tom AND Brad together again(?!?!), how do you pass that up? lol...

A note about the soundtrack: The song playing as the end credit roll begins is the Guns N' Roses cover of the Rolling Stones classic "Sympathy for the Devil". It was the last single that Guns N' Roses released before lead guitarist Slash quit the band in the mid-90s. Slash has been on the record saying that that recording is the sound of the band breaking up.

I read Anne Rice and she is an amazing author. She created an entire universe around the supernatural. Lasher (ghosts), Vampire Chronicles and witches and warlocks. It is amazing! She also wrote romance/sex novels. There were a bunch of movies made from all of these. I would recommend Queen of the Dammed.

tom cruise nailed this role. apparently Anne Rice heard he was going to play Lestat and was like "no way tom cruise could play that character!" but after she saw the movie she did a complete 180 and praised his performance. Dunst was incredible too.. you really could believe she had the mind of someone who lived decades, trapped in the body of a child. with kid actors it's tricky.. it almost always seems just like a kid play acting. but not in this case. (the six sense was another example of excellent child acting). of course pitt was great as the "foil" but dunst and cruise both were incredible

"Maybe I'd become a rockstar, maybe you shouldn't pursue fame" oh hey there's an entire vampire Chronicles book dealing with that

This is one of my favoruite movies ever. It's like Christmas morning every time someone reacts to it. Such a beautiful piece of art with some of the best performances we've ever seen from these already fantastic actors. it's even one of the few movies I can stand Brad Pitt in!

Tom was amazing in this role and Anne famously was against it originally but after the movie she was like umm I was wrong lol. and yes I agree .. I think this was toms best role.. just wow

Honestly, Lestat's line of "I'm going to give you the choice I never had" is so heartbreaking 🥺

Anne Rice hated the idea that Tom Cruise was going to be Lestat and she was very public about it too, the producers ended up ghosting her. When she finally watched the movie she publicly apologized and praised Tom's portrayal. This story has more depth when you see Louis and Lestat as two lovers, because of the time period the movie couldn't take much of that approach but it is something that the new TV show has done.

Speaking of 'What we do in the shadows' Taika Waititi also co directed another show called "Our flag means death" and it is SO GOOD PLEASE WATCH IT 🙏🙏🙏 (It's about taika Waititi and Rhys Darby being a gay pirate couple😃)

"I would become a rockstar" Well, great minds think alike :P

Loved you reacting to this. This was my favorite movie when I was in highschool. On an unrelated topic, I would loooooove to see you react to EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. 💕

What we do in the shadows movie is one my favourite comedies that I've seen in recent years, definately recommend to check it out.

In the book, Claudia is only 4 years old when she was turned. She was so little as a vampire, she would climb Luí's shoulders. Also, in the books, its actually Armand that turn the reporter.

I adore these novels 🔮Lestat the Brat Prince is my favorite literary character of all time and this movie version is wonderful ❤️ welcome to the Savage Garden

(1994) was the year I was born. I watched Interview with the vampire growing up. It is one of my favorite movies.

11:38"Maybe I'd become Rock Star." Half an hour into the movie, fully in Lestat's mind set.. :)

"I could watch somebody get sliced in half every day." 😆🤣

"that's illegal" Oh my sweet summer child...you know so little about Hollywood

Saw a video of you doing stand up! It just popped up in my feed. LOL good job

Tom Cruise is my all time favorite!!!! I’m an actor and would study his early stuff. When he was starting out he was very intimidating, but when he did Loose’n It, I think he found that switch. He applied that to “Strictly Business “.

great timing i'm obsessed with the show that's airing rn

“..I would be a rockstar” Lestat: 🧍

This movie and The Fearless Vampire Killers, alternatively known as Dance of the Vampires are my absolute favorite Vampire movies.

I remember at the time Anne Rice was throwing a lot of shade at the choice of Tom Cruise for Lestat. And then she actually watched the movie. Became his champion after that.

Also, please and yes to you watching What We Do In the Shadows(2014), Co-Written/Co-Directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.

It’s not illegal for a child to kiss an adult. Especially in this case, as it’s a theatrical performance. It’s not something sexual. However, because it is something that is considered personal, her parents would be asked to be on set that day of filming. Prior to the scene, if she or the family felt uncomfortable, they would have to figure out another way to film it.

06:52 "You're with a man who is paler than your tights, babe, run!" LMFAO!

This was MY MOVIE back in the time. Glad you enjoyed it.

I love this movie. Lestat de Lioncourt is one of my favorite vampires and Tom Cruise role. Made a teen me feel stuff I wouldn't get for decades. lol

this is an underrated movie. Great reaction Shanelle. The book was amazing. Have a great day, S.

24:04 - Huh, that I would never have guessed.

I've really never been big on Halloween, even as a kid, but I was hoping someone would react to this during this Halloween season. A couple of times staying in New Orleans we stayed a couple of blocks from Anne Rice's (RIP) home. The neighborhood seemed like it was part of the inspiration of her writing. Vampirism has always had some sexual appeal to it. As far as Kiersten kissing Brad, in an interview she was asked about her first kiss, and she said his lips were very dry and didn't see what the big deal was. It's funny you mentioned becoming a rock star. Not to give away too many spoilers, in "Queen of the Damned" Lestat does become a rock star.

11:20 The "maybe I'd become a rock star" is pretty funny considering the story of Lestat not covered by this movie.

I watched this in the theatres with a highschool friend who was gay. Even though no one said it out loud we all knew it. He came from a very traditional family and was super closeted, though it was pretty obvious he liked boys. Incredibly sweet guy, everyone loved him. I sat there in the dark thinking "We're watching a movie starring a super hot male cast, and it's about thirsty vampires, thirsting after eachother. I _know_ he's enjoying this as much as I am, lol" On a more objective note, this is a great example of how to use vampires to convey both danger and fear, all the while recognizing the sensuality of the trope. You actually get a few frights and aren't really sure how far they will go. There's a real chance they will kill without a moment's notice - and not only kill their victims, but eachother. It's a campy movie, but it still works better than most of what was done after.

Apparently, Anne Rice was FURIOUS Tom Cruise was cast as Lestat..........until she saw the finished film and wrote Cruise a letter praising his performance.

"What would you do with vampire years, maybe I would take up piano or become a rock star..." - Shanelle ---- Just thinks about the 2nd book "The Vampire Lestat" and chuckles knowingly...

Ah! Can't wait to watch this reaction. I have to wait because I'm busy right now but just wanted to say wooo.

"Vampire in Brooklyn" -a 90s horror comedy with Eddie Murphy!

Loved this reaction Shanelle ♥️😬👍

The Vampire Lestat & Queen of the Damned are fun books. Try listening to them on audiobook, if you’re not a fan of reading.

This is such a subtle movie, with tons of nuance. I don't know if your review picked up on all the tiny, impactful decisions that pulled this together, but I'm glad you got to see it. The effects were totally masterful and still hold up today. And the performances were so compelling. Nevermind the story itself, which somehow makes you fall in love with actual monsters. I've loved this film since I was 13.

I never read the novels, but I really enjoyed this film. Having said that, I'm having a bit of a tough time with the TV series of the same name. Not sure which is more faithful to the writer, but the film stands up really well; even after almost 3 decades.

IMO this is another of the Great Movies. And I like the way Dunst plays her Vampire. And it is not very often that people don't follow Cruise. But we don't this time. Most of us, I should say. LOL. Great reactions, Shanelle. Thanx for sharing them with us.

Sweet! Huge classic! Hi Shanelle!!!!!😎👍🍷🚬👀💕

I read the books in High School long before the movies came out. I am extremely disappointed that there has not been a movie of "The Vampire Lestat." Mostly because as you said in your review, Lestat is evil. Interview with the Vampire is entirely based on Louis point of view and leaves out why and how Lestat is who he is. These two novels together are specifically designed to make the audience fall in love with monsters. Louis is not all he is cracked up to be in the move either but of course he is not going to demean or degrade his own image. Claudia was killed because she broke the ancient rule that children should not be turned (because as it implies she grows up in mind and soul but not in body resulting in massive emotional issues). In any case Im glad you reviewed this one and I do love the movie. Now lets hope they make Lestat into one also.

YES PLEASE!! Do ‘What We Do In the Shadows’ the movie … it came before the TV show and it’s fabulous lol … I do love the show but the movie holds a special place in my heart … I saw it premiere at Midnight Madness at the Toronto International Film Festival!