Monday, August 4, 2008

The Vampire's Inheritance

Author(s): Masnoraffis Masdil
Location: Singapore

“The Vampire's Inheritance”

Directed by Robert Altman
Written by Roger Avary
Original Score by John Williams

Principal Cast:

Ewan McGregor (Timothy)
Kate Hudson (Sarah)
John Cusack (Michael)
Rachel McAdams (Patricia)
Joan Allen (Joanna)
Robin Williams (Harvey)
Bette Midler (Susan)
Steve Carrell (Inspector Smith)
Jon Lovitz (Officer Robert)
Seann William Scott (Greg)
Ben Kingsley (Mr. Henderson)
Joan Cusack (Susanna)
Harvey Keitel (Peter)
Peter Sarsgaard (Tom)
Tommy Lee Jones (Sir Edward Gallagher)

Tagline: "In order for you to get the gold, beware of the vampires wherever you go"

Synopsis: Sir Edward Gallagher, a wealthy recluse, had just died. Per his wishes, all his relations and beyond are invited to come over to his mansion where his lawyer, Mr Henderson, would read out his will. Gathered there are the following people: Joanna, his spinster sister; Sarah; his niece; Greg, his nephew who's just come back from abroad; Michael, his half-brother; Harvey; his middle aged-nephew, with his wife, Susan; Patricia, his secretary & Tom, his mute and lame gardener. Dropping in unannounced was Susanna, claiming that she was his wife, which shocked everybody there since Sir Edward was known to be a bachelor. Along with her is Peter, her uncle, who's also her lawyer. Just an hour before midnight, when the will would be read, Timothy arrived at the mansion, claiming to be Sir Edward's long-lost cousin. This caused a lot of protest by the others as they have never heard of him. Mr Henderson allowed all claimants to be there as it was open to all.

At midnight, the will is read stating that Sir Edward was the descendant of the people who had killed the vampires. And there was a curse on the family that the vampires will come back during its 10th generation, which Sir Edward happened to be. All of his wealth would be shared by everybody attending and hearing the will, provided that they stay in the confines of his estate for 30 days. Whoever leaves the place or die before the 30 days are up will forfeit his or her claim to the wealth and the portion distributed among the rest.

Everybody was initially excited about the money and thought the that the vampire stuff was a bunch of jokes. But when sightings of the vampires and his screams are soon heard and people dying or disappearing, each of them must try to survive or be the next victim of the vampire.

What the press would say:

When it comes to ensemble films, who could be better than Robert Altman? Remember M*A*S*H*, Nashville, Gosford Park or A Prairie Home Companion? Here comes another great ensemble film from him.

The screenplay and direction are superb. Roger Avary has given us a mixture of characters and all their weirdness, living together under one roof, laced with suspense, drama and humour. This is one of Robert Altman's best directorial efforts ever. In an ensemble film like this, it is not easy for characters to stand out but a few of the characters really are etched in your mind. Robin Williams, as the middle-aged man, who's besotted of becoming actor, really shows us his comedic prowess here. His scenes along with Bette Midler, are excellent, as the ever quarrelling couple. He flirts with every young gal and pretend to be young while at home, he's a hen-pecked husband whose wife is jealous of every young woman. Their scenes with Joan Cusack are a riot, making the most the thrilling parts comedic when the scene is turned to them. Another comedic pair is Steve Carrell & Jon Lovitz, who are the people hired by Harvey Keitel's character to safeguard them at the mansion. They ended up being mostly the one who runs around and being safeguarded by the other guys.

Ewan McGregor turned in a good performance too, as the supposedly long-lost cousin of Sir Edward. His shady behaviour caused mistrust in others, especially John Cusack. Kate Hudson & Rachel McAdams gave commendable support, with the bigger role to Kate Hudson. But if you were to pick out one very amazing performance, it has to be Joan Allen. She was the good aunt, who was always concerned bout others. Her final scene, when she's at the rooftop and revealing that she was the mastermind behind the fake will and the murders makes you chill. The whole climax was done very well. Started when Ewan McGregor found Kate Hudson locked in a cupboard in a cave, the chase for the vampire ended with the revolving bookcase at the library. From a thrilling chase and fight, it led to a pure comedic scene where Robin and Bette ended up on opposite sides of the bookcase, both turning along with the bookcase to find each other. With the unmasking of Mr Henderson as the supposed vampire, then you see the other side of Joan Allen's character.

In all, it is a fun movie which gives us an insight to the different characters and how they can be driven to circumstances. Filled with thrills, drama and humour, the characters are the ones that sticks in your mind. Another great movie from a great director!

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director: Robert Altman
Best Screenplay: Roger Avary
Best Original Score: John Williams
Best Actor: Ewan McGregor
Best Actor: John Cusack
Best Actress: Kate Hudson
Best Supporting Actor: Robin Williams
Best Supporting Actor: Steve Carrell
Best Supporting Actress: Rachel McAdams
Best Supporting Actress: Joan Allen
Best Supporting Actress: Bette Midler
Best Supporting Actress: Joan Cusack
Best Film Editing: Tim Squyres
Best Art Direction: Dannie Goldman

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