By William Wolf

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE  Send This Review to a Friend

Ready for another vampire movie? My interest in vampires sort of went out after “Dracula,” but here’s one that is different, thanks to the imagination of writer-director Jim Jarmusch and the screen magnetism of Tilda Swinton. “Only Lovers Left Alive,” is steeped in a dark, brooding atmosphere mixed with offbeat remarks and situations. Lurking everywhere is Jarmusch’s comically creepy attitude toward his subject and characters.

Swinton, her eyes alone captivating, is a languid, graceful figure in the role of the vampire Eve. Her vampire Adam, played by Tom Hiddleston, is a collector of musical instruments and lover of music itself, evidenced by the pleasure we see him having in his listening. Geography separates them until their meetings. She lives in Tangier, and flies to his lair in Detroit, a location that in itself adds amusement, given that city’s decline. Anton Yelchin plays Ian, who supplies Adam with the rare instruments for his collection.

Eve has a sexy-looking, wild sister Ava, played by Mia Wasikowska, a roaming vampire and not good news for Ian when she is in need.

The gimmick here is that Adam and Eve purchase their blood supply in flasks, and drink from elegant glassware rather than constantly roaming to seek victims, unless, of course, if their supply gives out and they begin craving blood like drug addicts or alcoholics.

Eve has a friend and mentor, Marlowe, bedridden and portrayed by John Hurt. Marlowe is none other than the Marlowe many have credited with being the real author of Shakespeare’s plays. In the film’s humorous conceit, Marlowe laments not getting the credit due him.

The production design by Marco Bittner Rosser and the matching direction of photography by Yorick Le Saux are in synch with Jarmusch’s unique vision, adding to the somber, shadowy atmosphere achieved throughout.

Hiddleston and Swinton are convincing as the unusual lovers existing through the ages and in tune with one another when they manage to meet. The ending becomes especially eerie when they are out of blood and spy two oblivious young lovers sitting alone outdoors. We know what is coming even before the shattering close-up of Swinton closing in on the prey. A Sony Pictures Classics release. Reviewed April 11, 2014.

  

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