Exploring the Vampire in Cinema

Who has not seen a vampire movie? It has been a movie staple since the beginning of the industry. The first vampire movie was The Vampire made in 1913. Robert G. Vignola who was also a co-writer directed it. When most people think of the early films they think of the Nosferatu made in 1922, starring Max Schreck and the first Universal Studios Dracula film made in 1931. It stared Bela Lugosi and changed how we saw vampires. Although vampires have always been viewed as hidden sexual desires, the face was not always sexy. In fact the image was that of a hideous ferocious monster in Nosferatu. Dracula changed all of that; sexy works so much better on film, and for marketing the films.

There has been a vampire film every few years since 1913. As the vampire genre increased in popularity the frequency of vampire movies increased as well. Some years several vampire movies would be made. Most have a sexy theme or look, but not all. The vampire theme gives movie makers the opportunity to have sexual context, romance, suspense, conflict, violence, horror and humour in any mix or combination in their movies. There is a huge fan base for each different style of vampire movie, though the mix of sexual context, suspense, conflict and violence always does well. What other creature has been in every film genre out there from children's cartoons to x-rated adult films.

Vampire stories and now movies and TV shows have had an interesting impact on society. Vampires are viewed for the most part as being mysterious, dark, powerful and sexy. Add eternal life, it is easy to understand the attraction vampires have. The results of this is the Goth fashion, and live role playing game groups evolving around vampires such as the Masquerade, online groups, and even card, board, and video games. People like to play at being vampires, to have their strength, mystical abilities, and sexual attraction and freedom.