The Hunger
by Tony Scott
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, Susan SarandonDirector: Tony Scott
Brand: Warner Brothers
Producer: Richard Shepherd
Writer: Ivan Davis
Writer: Michael Thomas
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Spanish (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: Widescreen, 2.40:1
Running Time: 96 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-09-13
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Movie Reviews of The Hunger
Movie Review: A Mystery Solved . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
Vampire-enthusiasts who have read Strieber's novel, had a bit of a surprise when they saw Scott's "The Hunger." There were several liberties taken with the film. Still, on many occasions, adaptation for screen often includes sacrifices: especially for time and budget. We accept this. But . . . there was always something a little "off" here . . .
Let's start from the beginning. This film is exquisitely shot. The framing is simple and beautiful. In fact, the composition is almost breath-taking (still frames could appear as individual photographs suitable for display). Likewise, the acting is beyond reproach. Pitch-perfect. The costumes . . . unforgettable (the glasses alone)! The soundtrack is lush . . . in fact, when I first rented the film in middle-school I was inspired to explore classical music. Today, I have an extensive collection . . . and "Bach: Cello Suites 1-6" remains my favorite (thank you, Mr. Scott for such a wonderful gift).
The tale is both sensual and heart-breaking. **SPOILER (STOP READING NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS FILM)**: Interestingly, Susan Sarandon describes the film as a metaphor for addiction. In the director's commentary she explains that her character would rather commit suicide than to live with an addiction to blood . . . with an addiction to death . . . to be a conduit of death. Does that comment sound odd considering how the film concludes?? Here is what happened . . .
The film was intended to end with the powerful death of Dr. Sarah Roberts. It was to be a story of sacrifice. BUT, as Scott and Sarandon reveal, "the powers that be" (their words) (meaning, the studio executives) demanded the tag at the end. You see, the studio was hoping for a sequel (and, obviously more money). So, the entire message of the film was destroyed . . . not to mention the attention to continuity was left in ruins. The bitterness in this commentary is justified. By insisting on a nonsensical ending ("So, how did Miriam's lovers decompose if she is still alive?!"), the film did not achieve the box-office success predicted . . . and the sequel was shelved.
So, why grant this film five stars? No matter what . . . this film is nearly as engrossing as the first time I saw it. It is, in my opinion, one of the most inventive, captivating vampire films ever made. And seeing Peter Murphy made me feel thirteen all over again . . . I think I'll break out some Bauhaus . . . right . . . now.
Suggested Reading: Hanson, Ellis. "Vampires Who Bite." Out Takes Essays on Queer Theory and Film. Ed. Ellis Hanson. Durham: Duke UP, 1999. 183-222.
This essay explores lesbian vampirism in film history with particular attention to "Dracula's Daughter," "Vampyres," and "The Hunger."
Summary of The Hunger
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