Are modern vampires getting soft?

We have come a long way from the nosferato image of the vampire as evil, bloodsucking undead who deprive those they bite of a peaceful death. Now, vampires are friendly. Take movies such as Twilight in which vampirism is treated as a disease to be understood rather than something to be dreaded. Now, instead of driving a stake through the vampire's heart, you lose your heart to him and do out for a steak at a restaurant. Then there's the upcoming 'The Vampire's Assistant' in which Mr Crepsley (vampire through and through) shows how they are just misundertood. that they do not kill to eat, merely render people unconscious with (of all things) their breath then make a slight incision and take just a sip. The victime awakes, unaware of what has happened and happily goes on to live a normal life (and I presure) a normal death when his time comes.
Both the Twilight and the Cirque du freak series have been bestsellers and make for great fiction but are we in danger of losing the plot here? I think this started in the Anne Rice books and the movie 'Interview with the Vampire' which I thought was the best vampire movie ever, by the way. In that, the premise seems to be that in the world of vampires, like in the world of humans, you get good and bad. Whatever happened to the vampire's insatiable lust for blood? His complete disregard for humanity?

In this small section from 'Cirque du Freak' by Darren Shan, the character, Darren, asks Mr Crepsley about the nature of Vampires.

You know what I love" he (Mr Crepsley) asked. "I love people who watch lots of horror movies and read horror books. Because they believe what they read and hear, and come packing silly things like crosses and holy water, instead of weapons which could do real damage, like guns and hand grenades."
You mean...crosses don't...hurt you?" I stammered.
"Why should they?" he asked.
"Because you're...evil," I said.
"Am I?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, "You must be. You're a vampire. Vampires are evil."
"You should not believe everything you are told," he said. It is true that our appetite's are rather exotic. But just because we drink blood does not mean that we are evil. Are vampire bats evil when they drink the blood of cows and horses?"
"No," I said. "But that's different. they're animals."
"Humans are animals too." He told me. "If a vampire kills a human then yes, he is evil. But one who just takes a little blood to fill his rumbling belly...Where is the harm in that?"

I think what is happening is that the vampire is being reinvented in a way that appeals to the twenty first century audience. Lifestyle is toned down, certain qualities are enhanced and others played down or even done away with altogether. Now, in the current climate of toleration, it seems that even the undead are okay. As religion gets referred to less in modern society, issues regarding the soul no longer play a part in modern vampire stories. I think that this reinventing of the vampire says a great deal about where we are at as a society, political correctness, religious beliefs etc. And I am not sure I like what I see.

Twin blogs

I am currently running an experiment...on myself...to see which way this blog should develop. I have already started this blog on wordpress.com (http://blackdog7.wordpress.com/) which I have linked via an RSS feed to this blog. (see feeds to right). However, I would like this version of my blog to be more journalistic in nature and less about horror movies. For a short period I will try both and see which turns out best. I am also keen to compare wordpress with blogger. Certainly blogger seems easier to use but it is early days. Please support both for now and help me to decide in a week or two.

Thanks

The cinema experience of yesteryear

They really were, as their nickname suggested, picture palaces. On entering you would be greeted by the feel of plush carpet underfoot and as far as the eye could see. There was usually a grand staircase leading to the circle, also carpetted and the whole place would be littered with smartly uniformed staff to see to your every need. The smell of polish hung in the air as you were shown to your seats by a smiling usherette with a torch.

The entertainment would usually consist of several items including 2 movies, a newsreel, advertisements and forthcoming attractions making an evening at the cinema great value for money. What better to place to escape the harsh realities of life for a few hours than in this luxurious setting, waited on by the enire staff with entertainment throughout. No wonder the cinema was a regular place for dating. I'm sure the low lighting helped here and, in the case of a horror movie, cuddles were to be expected.In between the movies there would be an interval. the house lights would come up and the usherettes would serve refreshments to anyone who wanted them.


One has also to remember that those with TVs watched programmes during selecting broadcasting hours on tiny screens in black and white with poor sound quality and even poorer reception. The cinema offered hours of entertainment in colour and on a huge screen for a relatively small fee. Litter and misconduct from audience members was not tolerated. Cinemas were kept scrupulously clean and the audience respected each other. If not, they were asked (told) to leave. No wonder it was popular.

Cinemas back in the 50s and 60s were not multiscreen complexes showing a wide range of movies, however. The norm was to show one main (A) movie for one week alongside a B movie that did not even merit a poster.. Sometimes the movie was kept on for longer 'by popular request'. This is worth noting because, if a young couple wanted to go to the 'pictures' for a date, they could not choose between a comedy, romance or horror. they had what was on. This was remedied to some extent becuas ethere were usually several cinemas in one town, all showing different movies. They often favoured one studio or two (i.e. Universal, MGM etc.)


I mention all this because, when we look at old horror movies it needs to be remembered that this was the environment in which they were first shown.

Welcome

People are strange, aren't they? On the one hand, they do not like to feel afraid and yet they will pay good money for the fear generated by a horror movie, scary novel or rollercoaster ride. I know that I love to watch a well-made horror movie and I am sure there are many more like me out there. I am also fascinated by tales of the paranormal. I try my best to explain them away and quickly forget about the bulk of them that I can. But those few that I cannot...they remain with me and, if you'll pardon the expression, haunt me. Then there are objects, building, people and places. Why is it that some give us 'the creeps' and yet others do not. What triggers that all-too-well-known sensation within us?
To find answers might prove dissapointing. It is the mystery surrounding these issues which fuels those sensations. But I would like to explore them more carefully, hopefully with your help, in the course of this blog.
So please join me as I both cellebrate and investigate this fascinating and compelling theme.