Byzantium [Blu-ray] [2013]

29.1.231052amByzantium via freeveeA P.R stunt for a world of vamps who have some moral code or irate code of conduct to dwell by? Or another P.R stunt for whichever class of ginger wants to make heatwaves... heatwaves(!?) via social discord and romantik disrepute...?It is a long hike from the world of Nosferatu and his boyish charms to the tawdry world of a quickie behind the coconut shy with a woman of horizonal repute who happens to be a dark maiden of the underworld forever cursed to live out a set of tiresome situations as the idiots about her induce these tiresome and mind numbing situations - hence the fact time is of the essence and your local vampyre really isn't best suited to being patient nor does she, in this case, suffer fools gladly...All good and well...As it's a new twist on a very well worn refrain... I was quite happy to see this film out. And I am amazed that so many decent flicks have passed me by - a big shout out to freevee for putting me right on that score..Sadly, it's another case of go see it for yerself and have a gander. As I really can't express what it means to me or to you to see a film other than a succinct yeah or nay regards will it be worth seeing. But, even then, it's all subjective.This is, my friends, the world they call entertainment. And death! Tiresomely so...Basically; from seeing the films Master Chang to watching Byzantium - all I know is.... that it's best to get to the point rather than faffing about creating even more convoluted and wearisome social scenes wherein no one is any the wiser and everyone, for all that, is totally frustrated... and bemused. - regards Mott Leigh-Phaart Snr

Although this vampire drama with arthouse ambitions is a bit jumbled and lacks any meaningful direction or solid identity, it isn't a terrible film by any measure, but I was expecting a lot more and certainly something a little more sophisticated and developed given the film's synopsis/blurb here on Amazon;"Byzantium is an erotic horror fantasy that takes vampire mythology to a new level of modern terror."Well, no. It's not actually. It definitely isn't erotic (there are one or two drugged and dishevelled prostitutes having disengaged intercourse in desolate surroundings, which is about a close as we get to 'erotic'). It can't really be described as a horror either as the extent of that is one vampire who is exceptionally polite about the occasional consensual killing (she also likes to be quite off-screen about the whole thing), one vampire who announces her plan to each victim before committing - removing any true horror or suspense, and then a few scenes of bloody waterfalls and crows. I think the 'modern terror' part might have been added by mistake.And the fantasy/mythology element unfortunately all falls a little flat due to the film confusing itself into a bit of a mess in terms of pacing, identity, suspense, intrigue or drama. A bit like a jack of all trades and master of none - the film reaches for so many different angles it fails to develop any of them solidly enough to make it really count.On the plus side, the young Saoirse Ronan as the younger female lead is fantastic with what she has been given to work with - this is the first time I have seen her in a film and would look forward to seeing her in other roles, Gemma Arterton gives a pretty good performance throughout, although is a little clumsy/direct with it very occasionally but her natural gravitas and charm covers this fairly smoothly, and a certain male actor I really find hard to watch meets an unfortunate end down a lift shaft.If you're a vampire film completist definitely get this film - you'll have seen much worse and will enjoy it, if you're a devoted fan of either Gemma Arterton or Saoirse Ronan you will likewise enjoy it, and if you're a bit on the fence then give it a try on Prime or something first. But if you're looking for a proper horror or something with jumps and scares then this definitely isn't it.

This is an interesting, well-made and entertaining film - offering a somewhat different interpretation of the vampire myth. This is a finely crafted movie, from director Neil Jordan (who has presented us with other films in the 'horror' genre - including 'The Company of Wolves' and 'Interview with the Vampire'). The two principal actors are Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton, who play daughter and mother, both centuries old vampires. The pair are on the run, as they're pursued by a 'brotherhood' who doesn't accept female members into their undead fraternity. The daughter is haunted by her past, and troubled by her need to feed on humans. The mother is more pragmatic, struggling to makes ends meet while finding temporary respite from the ever-present pursuers. As the pair seek to make a home for themselves in a quiet seaside resort, the past catches up with them ...I was fascinated by Jordan's distinct 'take' on vampirism, and at how this movie represents an unusual narrative concerning how these vampires come into being. There are definite similarities to the recent  Let Me In [Blu-ray ], in terms of focussing on a young-looking but very old female vampire who regularly moves from place to place to avoid bringing attention to herself. Yet this film offers an original storyline. And, for the most part, it's concerned with how someone who doesn't change perceives the passing of time. As such, this vampire film is far removed from the likes of 'Blade' and '30 Days of Night'. The flashbacks in the movie present a secondary narrative, exploring aspects of patriarchy - in particular, the oppression and exploitation of women by men. This has impacted upon the mother, who has endured life as a prostitute.This is an engaging film, offering a dark and chilling experience. It's not action-packed, nor full of CGI special effects - but, rather, is content with providing an insightful and character-driven story. While I personally preferred 'Interview with the Vampire', this is nonetheless a good contribution to the genre. As such, I highly recommend this movie.