"Vampirella" (1996)

As a passing fan of Vampirella, I had no idea as to what to expect from this film. I discovered Vampirella in the early 80’s when my favorite comic book shop, called Comics and Comix, in Citrus Heights, California, was offering back issues of the magazine for one dollar a piece. I picked up a few issues and was, as an adolescent boy, titillated to say the very least by the striking artwork and alluring narratives that accompanied each installment. The stories were good, rich with supernatural elements and intrigue, but they couldn’t compete with my love of the X-Men of that time frame, which at the time seemed to dominate my interest with their complex characters and epic battles. Yet, Vampirella had a unique charm that occasionally pulled me back in, her adventures weaving a tapestry of horror and fantasy that, while not my primary obsession, certainly left an impression on my young imagination.

Back to the movie... It was actually not bad. For a Roger Corman flick, I honestly expected more focus on breasts and buttocks, but what I got was far better than some misogynistic “T&A” show, providing a surprisingly thoughtful narrative intertwined with action and drama. If this movie had a larger budget, I feel like it could have been really something extraordinary, with the potential to elevate its storytelling and production quality. The actress who played the film’s title character, Talisa Soto, did a great job portraying the daughter of Drákulon, showcasing a compelling blend of vulnerability and strength as she seeks vengeance against Vlad, the rebel leader of a group of vampires who seek blood from wherever they can get it. Her performance added layers to the character, making her journey feel more personal and impactful. Vlad, played by the Who’s Roger Daltrey, escapes judgment of the high council of Drákulon, and in a shocking turn of events, drinks the blood of the head of the council, Vampirella’s father, a decision that spirals the plot into a realm of betrayal and conflict, setting the stage for an intense confrontation. This intricate layering of characters and their motivations ultimately serves to create a captivating storyline that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Now there is a vampiric ton of really bad acting in this movie. I mean A LOT! Daltrey chews the scenery like it’s made of bubblegum, delivering lines with an exaggerated flair that teeters on the brink of parody. His over-the-top performance feels less like a character and more like a caricature, leaving the audience cringing in disbelief. The only good performance is from Soto, herself, who manages to bring a semblance of authenticity to her role, grounding the film amidst the chaos. Additionally, Lee de Broux, who plays Walsh, showcases his talent with a subtle yet impactful portrayal that further highlights the surrounding mediocrity. While the film attempts to weave an engaging narrative, the contrast between the lackluster performances and the few standouts makes it all the more jarring.

Now the design of the film always intrigued me, capturing the essence of creativity and artistic expression. I really wish I could go back in time and take that job; the opportunity to influence a character’s visual identity would have been exhilarating. Her outfit wasn’t the classic one viewers might expect, nor should it have been, as the film aimed to challenge norms and push boundaries. However, it could have been designed better, striking a balance between edgy and wearable. Less BDSM elements and more sci-fi aesthetics would have provided a fresh, innovative perspective. Additionally, the fit and functionality of the outfit seemed lacking; it didn’t look that comfortable for Soto to wear either, which is crucial for an actor immersed in their role. I may just take a stab at redesigning her outfit for the heck of it, imagining how different materials and silhouettes could enhance both the character’s story and the overall visual impact of the film.

Vampirella isn’t something that I’ll watch often, but I wouldn’t mind indulging in it again from time to time for its unique storytelling and captivating visuals. I found the film to watch on YouTube, and you can easily find it if you search, as it’s not hidden away in the depths of the platform. The blend of horror and adventure has its own charm that keeps drawing me back, even if I don’t do so frequently. I’m especially looking forward to giving it another watch, as I feel that each viewing might reveal new layers or details that I missed the first time around, adding to its allure.

Have you seen this film? [ Watch it here on the Internet Archive] What did you think? Did it do the character justice in your opinion? Does Vampi need another shot at the big screen? Is there anybody else out there who laments the Vampi project with Caroline Munroe never went forward in the 1970s? So many questions...