MovieChat Forums > Dance of the Vampires (1967) Discussion > Polanski's best?

Polanski's best?

posted 14 years ago by kriege10
12 replies | jump to latest

Although "Knife in the Water" is an obvious masterpiece, (as are some of the short films), I can't help thinking that "The Fearless Vampire Killers", despite being comparatively frivolous and mainstream, is actually the better film. I have issues with some of the scenes in the last half-hour or so, which either don't make much sense, (the episode where Alfred finds Sarah in the bath and she doesn't seem to want to be rescued), are contrived, (the ending), or border on cliche (most of the last half-hour) and the dance sequence I found unimpressive. Still, almost everything in the first, say, 70 minutes or so is inventive and of surprising visual interest. This film really repays multiple viewings. I keep finding more to like in it the more I watch it.

[–] EvilCensor 14 years ago

It really is a secret classic, good story told and filmed well with perfect musical scoring and first rate sets.

Sarah not wanting to be rescued is down to a combination of her character not being particularly nice and under the influence of the vampire that took her I would say.

As for this being Polanski's best?.. quite possibly - though I'm not certain.

Defer not unto the evening, that which the morning may accomplish.

[–] timothy-hill 14 years ago

Although FVK was not particularly successful at the US Box office, Polanski liked this film. I too really enjoy watching it, the feel and atmosphere is first rate for a film of this genre and typical of the era in which it was produced, great memories too of seeing Sharon Tate for the first time. I don't think it's Polanski's best but not far off and only 1 spoof horror beats this marginally and that is Mel Brooks 'Young Frankenstein'.

[–] kriege10 14 years ago

I agree with some of your thoughts, but underneath all of the jokes and clowning, there is really a great deal of first-class artistry (until the last part, anyway). That was my point: this is really a great artistic success besides being a spoof.

[–] richrol 12 years ago

I always liked "Cul-de-Sac" (with the incomparable Donald Pleasance). Another Polanski film with a good amount of humor in it.

[–] franzkabuki 12 years ago

No. F-ck no. It´s a little too ridiculous and mostly not particularly witty or funny. Nowhere near his best work.

"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan

[–] Pure-Form 9 years ago

👍

[–] PatFilm 8 years ago

I think it is. For me it is more of a brilliantly looking period piece than a downright spoof. I have watched it at least 5 times over the years and never get tired of it. I personally think that one of the reasons this movie still shines after all these years is the cinematography and the music underpinning an original mixture of horror and light comedy.

9/10

[–] GuenniBraunsten 8 years ago

It's up there, but The Tenant is better.

[–] ElectricWarlock 8 years ago

I've only seen this film and Rosemary's Baby so far. Rosemary's Baby is the better film but I was still impressed with this one a lot. I was a bit hesitant to watch it because I don't usually like comedies, but I kept hearing people say it was one of the best vampire films of all time so I decided to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised. It did have comedy but never went overboard with it and still kept the atmosphere and tone of a classic, Hammer-esque vampire movie. Overall it was a fun film and I'm glad I decided to give it a chance.

[–] darryl-tahirali 8 years ago

Apart from Knife in the Water, what comes to mind first includes Chinatown, The Pianist, and Repulsion. I may add Rosemary's Baby, but I haven't seen it in a long while.

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"The past is never dead. It isn't even past." -- William Faulkner

[–] Drmccormack (743) 6 years ago

That's an excellent list, but I would also include The Fearless Vampire Killers.

[–] ChristianeK 8 years ago

My favorite, definitely. Gorgeous, atmospheric, fun.