Vampire Essay

It is incorrect to assume that our culture has stories that are told and re-told afresh for every new generation. However, it is accurate to suggest that although major plot lines within texts may differ to appeal to a particular generation, many aspects and characteristics of these texts are similar as they are derived from the same basic myth. Within the screenplay “Dracula 2000” by Wes Craven and Tom Holland’s “Fright Night” this is profoundly evident. Both these films follow different plots to appeal to different generations, however because these films revolve around the vampire myth, they carry many similar characteristics regardless of the generation when which they were created.

Tom Holland’s ‘Fright Night’ was constructed and released in the twentieth century. It follows the plot of a young man Charlie, who discovers that his latest neighbours are vampires. Charlie believes it is he who must rid the world of these vampires and protect his love interest. With the help of actor Mr. Vincent, Charlie eventually accomplishes this. Wes Craven’s Dracula 2000 however, was constructed and released in the twenty-first century and follows the plot of a group of individuals who in their quest for ancient treasure, release Dracula from his coffin accidentally. Dracula then begins his search for Mary, a woman who he believes is of his kind. Mary then struggles to hide from Dracula, while trying to protect herself and deal with the sudden appearance of her father. Although these texts differ greatly in plots to appeal to their audiences, they carry many similar aspects, as the plots are both structured around the vampire myth.

Symbolism is extremely evident throughout both texts. The colours red and white are used to signify the influence of good and evil and the status of the characters. This is most accurately conveyed in ‘Dracula 2000’ when Dracula bites Mary and attempts to convert her. Once this takes place Dracula and Mary are presented in a room of white while embracing in a bed covered in white sheets. This is purposely created to convey an image of purity and innocence. However, in an instant, everything changes and Mary and Dracula are then presented in a room of red, with Dracula sitting in a bed of crimson alone, and Mary with an expression of confusion, standing adjacent to it. The various images of ruby colours in these scenes symbolise evil and iniquity. This symbolism is associated with the concept that vampires are evil and are therefore symbolised with red, as they attempt to convert an innocent, symbolised by white.
Similarly, the status of the characters in ‘Fright Night’ can be distinguished by the colour of their costume throughout the film. Jerry, the major vampire in the film, is always dressed in dark clothing however, whenever he ventures out to attack, he wears a bright red scarf around his neck. This is a deliberate addition to Jerry’s costume as it presents him as an evil character. In comparison with this, Aimee, Charlie’s girlfriend after being lured and bitten by Jerry, is still dressed in a white dress, which presents her as a pure and innocent character even after she is bitten and attempts to kill Charlie. Although this characteristic of symbolism is used in different contexts, it is similar to both texts. This supports the suggestion that although plots may differ to attract a certain audience, characteristics of the myth, which the texts are based on, do not.

Throughout both texts there is great emphasis on vampire mythology through various iconography used. These elements deal with the psychological component of the vampire myth. The method chosen by both Mary and Charlie to kill the vampires within the films is extremely similar and both carry much influence from the vampire myth while conveying vampire iconography. Both Mary and Charlie choose to carry strings of garlic, stakes, crucifix (also worn) and holy water, as a form of protection and defence. Both vampires that feature in the films reside in coffins and do not enter sunlight. Jerry and Dracula possess an unnatural level of strength and do not enter a location unless invited first. Both vampires die by means of being stabbed in the heart with a stake, when which they crumble to ash. These characteristics are common to both texts, however the main story of the texts are quite different to appeal to a particular generation, which contradicts the statement that our culture has stories that are told and re-told afresh for every new generation.

The vampires within the texts carry a charismatic aura, which, at the sight of them, instantly attracts both female and male characters to their charm. This sexual attraction felt by passers-by assist the vampire in luring their victims. In ‘Dracula 2000’, Dracula’s primary victim is an attractive young woman, whom he attempts to attack. Throughout the film, various scenes display the sexual tension between the characters and in the ultimate scene where Dracula is attempting to convert Mary; they are both dressed in seductive costumes and located in a bed. The scene then carries on to portray Mary fighting her sexual attraction towards Dracula. The seductive appeal that Dracula possesses is a recurring characteristic in ‘Fright Night’. Jerry the vampire entices Aimee, and due to her sexual attraction to Jerry, she willingly lets him take control of her. Throughout the film a frustrating sexual tension is presented between the characters and in the deciding scene when Jerry is about to attack Aimee, the pair are also making love as Aimee is overcome by her ‘sexual attraction’. This factor is adapted from the vampire myth and is therefore common to both films, although the films are constructed for a different generation.

It is wrong to claim that our culture has stories that are told and retold afresh for a new generation. However, it is correct to suggest that although major plot lines change, many characteristics of texts remain similar as they are based on the same myth. Within films, ‘Dracula 2000’ and ‘Fright Night’, this is extremely evident with the common themes and characteristics of good and evil, various vampire iconography and traits of the vampires themselves.

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