Fantasy-style films are one of the most sought after products among viewers. Werewolves, terminators and supermachines have gone into the category of rarities. In the new millennium, vampires are at the head of the list: good, fearless, superpowers, able to love. About one such guy, Hollywood decided to make a film - "The Story of a Vampire." The actors of the picture, despite the massive plot, are Hollywood celebrities.
Plot
In the center of the film are two ordinary teenagers for whom strict parents have already determined the future - college, work, family. Who is interested in such a fate? Darren Shen has to come to terms with the fate of an ordinary person, only his inner voice says that he was born for more. Together with his friend Steve, the guy goes to the performance of the circus freaks. What they saw shocked two schoolchildren so much that they stole a spider from the circus - Madame Octu.
The magic bug bit Steve, the guy was on the verge of life and death. To save his best friend, Darren goes to the circus to find an antidote. The main magician, who is also a vampire, offers the student a deal - to become his assistant in exchange for the life of a friend. Shen agrees and soon gets into the other world of magic, vampires, zombies and all evil spirits. In fact, the vampire and his friends are not as creepy as the books describe, and Darren has to master the art of being a vampire.
main characters
The actors of the film “The Story of a Vampire” are not only the famous Hollywood celebrities. Director Paul Weitz selected a little-known actor, almost a newcomer - Chris J. Kelly for the main role of a young schoolboy. The director explained his choice by searching for a new face, an unknown actor. Chris before this role played in three series and two full-length films. Basically, he played secondary roles. When Chris was approved for the lead role in Weitz's film, it was clearly a leap in his career.
The role of Shannan Steve's friend was played by Josh Hutcherson. “The Story of a Vampire,” the majority of whose actors already had vast experience in filming a movie, was another film for Josh that did not bring him the long-awaited recognition. Nevertheless, working with such masters as John C. Riley, Ken Watanabe, Salma Hayek and others, was an excellent opportunity for him to learn from the masters. Josh already had more than 20 films, some of them successful, others failed. The work in this picture brought Mr. Hutcherson experience.
Ken Watanabe - a famous American actor and producer, starred in 63 films. In the adaptation of the novel "The Story of a Vampire", the actors and roles of which are of interest to all fans of the picture, he played Mr. Toll, the lead in the circus of freaks.
John C. Riley reincarnated as an old vampire, Mr. Cripsy, who is looking for an assistant and finds him in Shannon's face. The vampire John played an unusual, his image is very comical, he is inherent in sarcasm and even compassion.
Minor Characters
Paul Weitz for the supporting characters invited famous Hollywood celebrities for the film "The Story of a Vampire." The actors who played the colleagues of the vampire Cripsy are famous and recognized masters of American cinema, such as Salma Hayek, Ray Stevenson, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Fugit.
In combination with the main characters, they formed an excellent diverse team. The circus of freaks performed by these actors turned out to be unforgettable. Of course, computer graphics played a significant role in creating images of terrible freaks.
Reviews from viewers and critics
The budget of the film "The Story of a Vampire", whose actors received very modest fees, amounted to $ 41 million. For the entire rental period around the world, the picture managed to raise $ 38 million. Critics, like the audience, very coldly praised the efforts of Paul Weitz, describing the picture as another film about vampires. Due to the weak storyline, "History" was called a failure by American film experts.