The Hunger
(1983)
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Director Tony Scott's cult classic tells the story of Miriam (Catherine Denueve) and John (David Bowie), an elegant couple with a dark secret: they are vampires. Feeding on human blood, Miriam has lived for over 2000 years. Taking John as her lover, she gave him the gift of eternal life as well. Together, the beautiful Miriam and dapper John teach music by day and feed on innocent humans by night, disposing of their remains in the incinerator of their well-appointed townhouse. When John begins aging rapidly, he seeks the help of Dr. Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon), a specialist in premature aging. Miriam is immediately drawn to Sarah, desiring her as her next immortal companion. Sarah, unable to deny her attraction to Miriam, ends up in her bed and is consequently forced to choose between her mortal life and eternal life. Deneuve is remarkable as the beautiful but anguished Miriam, and Bowie is astonishing as he ages hundreds of years in a matter of hours, all of the seconds that he has lived catching up with him at once. Watch for Ann Magnuson in her film debut, and Willem Dafoe in his first credited speaking role. |
Scientist Susan Sarandon replaces ageing David Bowie in vampire Catherine Deneuve's affections in director Tony Scott's visually sumptuous adaptation of Whitley Strieber's enigmatic bestseller. Set against a generally effective backdrop of immortal decadence, embodying several centuries of glossy fashion and culture, this MTV-influenced undead tale emphasises razzle-dazzle style over story content, despite an understated mix of sly humour, sexual mystery and clever make-up illusion. A spin-off anthology sequel and TV series has been produced with brothers Tony and Ridley Scott in command.