Colin Wilson's book 'The Space Vampires' was initially supposed to be his version of 'Dracula'. Given his fascination with being absorbed by ideas, it became an examination of the nature of what vampirism might mean if taken to its logical conclusion. The resulting novel would have been very difficult to film, but, thanks to a number of courageous men, Tobe Hooper's film (originally titled after the book but later changed to 'Lifeforce') had a go. It took core moments and characters from the novel, changed them significantly, and reinvented Wilson's book as the most fast paced and thrilling horror film since 'The Devil Rides Out'. Much derided in some quarters, it nevertheless remains the most thoroughly enjoyable horror film to be made in the UK since the demise of Hammer.
When I first saw it, I had been primed to expect a dismal film, but the experience of watching 'Lifeforce' on a big screen with a packed London audience who got all the poker faced humour and loved seeing their city reduced to zombies and rubble. For me, it remains a film that works as subtle comedy, action adventure and even, despite his distaste for the finish project, a distillation of some of the unfilmable themes of WIlson's book.
The cast of British actors supporting Steve Railsback in a classic throwback to the old Quatermass adaptations of having an American, best known for B-movies, play the lead in a film that is otherwise British to give it a touch of international appeal. Never mind that it was written and directed by Americans and financed by the powerhouse that was Canon Films. This was a film that played well almost everywhere except America (which means that many saw it as a failure when it was anything but). It was still playing in the West End a year later (although some wise soul had added 'Space Vampires' to the title) and remained on the circuit in Europe and Asia for a very long time. Despite the cream of British acting talent, headed by Frank Finlay and Peter Firth, the film is largely remembered for the lead actress, Mathilda May, who was game enough to play most of her role without the benefit of a wardrobe. The clips I have used here were carefully chosen not to reveal too much for a family audience. She was a French actress whose career was to go on to have an interesting career in films such as 'Naked Tango' and 'The Tit and the Moon', neither of which I have seen. She is still working today.
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7 мар 2024
