frobrojkt

Finally we have a vampire that looks as awesome and frightening as Dracula is described in the book. I am more specifically referring to the ferocity with which the Count is described. Dracula is an apex predator and a cunning hunter. Whose skills of the hunt have been unmatched by any who have crossed him in 400 years. This is the Count Dracula we see in the Last Voyage of the Demeter. An unbridled, ruthless killing machine.

The whole movie is based upon a small subsection of one of the chapters from Bram Stoker's classic novel. Despite the extremely limited source material, the Demeter excels at delivering a brutal, frightening experience unlike any prior depiction of Dracula. The claustrophobic setting of a singular ship, miles out to sea, with no escape in sight provides a flawless horror environment. It also provides for the unique look to Dracula in this film. Dracula isn't hiding in his more human form. In fact Dracula isn't hiding at all. He knows he has the crew of the Demeter exactly where he wants them. Where he can systematically feed on them one by one. The special effects make up and overall creature design for Dracula is absolutely incredible! It is both loyal to the classic look from Nosferatu, and uniquely terrifying.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter was exactly what I have always wanted in a vampire film.

If you are a fan of classic horror films and characters I highly recommend this film.

I saw The Menu about a month ago. Initially I really enjoyed it. But the longer I have had to sit and stew on what I saw, the more I have decided that this film is excellent! The plot is fairly simple, the characters are fairly predictable, and in a way perhaps even cliche. But, it is exactly this simplicity, rather than hurting the film, actually aids one's ability to see the film's deeper message.

From an objective filmmaking stand point this is an incredibly artistic film. The cinematography is top tier. Every frame of film is expertly crafted to produce a compelling work of art. This works well for the film itself because the film is literally about the artistic medium of food and dining. The acting and writing is excellent. All the characters are perfectly written and very believable. I actually read somewhere that much of the conversing amongst characters at their respective dining tables was improvised. Which only goes to further my conviction of how good the acting is.

On a less objective, more opinion based, perspective, I loved the film even more. As an artist myself, I feel it It presents a realistic yet bleak picture of the state of the arts amongst our cultural institutions. How they have become so consumed by a sense of elitism that they lost the true art within. The symbolism of using the culinary arts to send this message is pure genius. I love the idea presented that the only thing that can save art from itself is to go back to its roots. It is all I can do to keep myself from leaving spoilers so I will have to end my review here.

I am sure that there are other people who view the moral behind the film differently than I. But therein lies the brilliance of the film. Watch it with a critical eye and you will not be disappointed. Conversely, if you watch this film merely to be entertained, you will also not be disappointed. Either way, I highly recommend this film.