Mythology Buffet: Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
My dear readers, I must confess that every year around this time, as the shades of the leaves are just starting to turn, I cannot help but reflect on the sensational evening when I first met my sweet Penny Dee. It was at the annual fall gala and my lack of familiarity with the latest dance steps gave me plenty of time to observe the other attendees from the sidelines. At first, I only saw her from a distance and yet I knew at once that she was possessed of some unique qualities. Drawing nearer, I was able to observe her marble-like complexion and aversion to small talk, confirming my suspicions that this was, indeed, my type of person. But absolute certainty did not find me until one of her sisters pricked my palm with her sharp fingernails. I lost sight of consciousness for a bit and when I awoke, I found myself in the sort of confused and lightheaded state that literature often associates with feelings of romantic purpose. A few short months later I sent word of my intentions to come courting and we have now been happily engaged for seven years. I can only imagine that our love will blossom all the more once we get round to the wedding.
Things become clear for Rita once Rita herself becomes clear
Maximillian (Eddie Murphy) also knows what it feels like to have met the right woman. He is a vampire originally hailing from the Caribbean, and he has traveled to distant Brooklyn, New York in search of an eternal mate. Time is typically an inexhaustible asset for immortal beings, but Maximillian has a rather limited time frame and must find a suitable companion before the next full moon. Though his debonair presence would certainly work to his advantage with any number of eligible partners, he has someone very particular in mind and as soon as he sees Detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett), he knows she is the one he seeks. And so, as so many suitors do, he launches a campaign of psychological manipulation, debasing her life choices and alienating her from those she loves.
Rita, however, is no “easy mark” and initially resists the idea of plunging headlong into a relationship with a persistent stranger. For one thing, she and her partner, Detective Justice (Allen Payne), harbor some non-professional feelings for one another and although neither has been bold enough to make a formal declaration, their mutual affection is difficult to deny. Furthermore, she only seems to bump into Maximillian under highly dubious circumstances and she is particularly put off by his trusty ghoul (Kadeem Hardison), whose habit of rapidly decaying does little to set an appropriately romantic mood. But Maximillian is a particularly charming fellow, and after establishing a friendly rapport and systematically destroying all pillars of support in her life, he manages to lure Rita into a literal dance of seduction. But the ramifications of their budding romance become apparent once Rita’s reflection turns transparent, and this brush with inhumanity leaves Rita doubting whether an eternity without sunlight is really the right fit for her.
Being a vampire’s ghoul offers both flexible hours and appendages
I find it difficult to summarize, my dear readers, the thrill I first felt upon discovering that a master of comedy and a master of horror had pooled their sizable talented to produce a comedic vampire film. As one might expect from such a meeting of the minds, the combination of director Wes Craven and marquee star Eddie Murphy results in a bounty of ideas. While many vampire films tailor the myth to the specifics of their narrative, utilizing only a handful of recognizable tropes, Vampire in Brooklyn embraces a wide range of qualities both classical and novel. Maximillian can influence the minds of others, fly, transform into a wolf and create ghoulish servants to do his bidding. He also possesses strength and speed akin to a “super” hero, can turn invisible, control animals, fire beams of force from his eyes, transform shabby apartments through illusory spells, assume the form of any person he chooses and exert a supernatural force of seduction by dancing. While some vampire films attempt to be selective about what lands on the plate, Vampire in Brooklyn lays out a substantial buffet of mythology. It makes for a most satisfying repast.
Vampire in Brooklyn runs 100 minutes and is rated R for strong language and vampire violence.
