Scream Factory, those purveyors of cult horror and sci-fi films, are treating us film fans right now with a whammy of double-bill feature releases. Their latest, and in my humble opinion greatest, release is the two pack of Vampire’s Kiss, in which we observe the phenomenon known as “Full Cage,” and High Spirits, a charming slice of the 80s featuring a perpetually drunk Peter O’Toole. Hi-def nostalgia abounds!
VAMPIRE’S KISS“Teetering on the edge of sanity, volatile literary agent Peter Loew (Nicolas Cage) tries to find purpose in his life through a cutthroat work ethic and a hedonistic night life. But when an encounter with a mysterious beauty leaves Loew convinced that he is turning into a vampire, his behavior turns positively outrageous.”
Nicholas Cage has transcended being an actor. He is a cult figure, cinematic legend, perpetual meme machine. Having attended the CAGED Marathon at the Alamo Drafthouse here in Austin, TX the past two years I am a paid up member of the Cage fan club. What we have here is possible the most refined example of the man going “Full Cage.”
The film itself is a wacky, gonzo affair rather than a flat out comedy, whatever the trailer implies. Loew, already slightly eccentric, is seduced by a female vampire and thus begins his descent into madness. The world in which Peter Loew resides is so normal that his eccentricities stand out even more. His outbursts create massive tonal shifts throughout the film; cult status is fully warranted. A black surreal affair that at times veers so wildly into unhinged territory it beggars belief. Is it a great movie? Probably not. Is it one of the most entertaining films you might ever see? Most definitely.
The hi-def presentation is pretty great; compared to other versions of the film I’ve seen its the best yet. It’s clearly a transfer from a 80s source, but detail is crisp (you can really make out the cockroach-eating) and colors pop well. Bonus features are pretty slim, being non-existent for High Spirits. Vampire’s Kiss does have one trick up it’s sleeve, however: the inclusion of a film commentary with Director Robert Bierman and the man himself, Nicolas Cage. It’s an extremely frank and critical discussion of both the movie and Cage’s performance, and is a fascinating and funny insight into how the film came together and the reflections of how weird the film turned out.
To wrap up, I present to you this clip of Cage’s Peter Loew visiting his psychiatrist. A rant about a mistakenly-filed document leads into a deranged recital of the alphabet.
If that alone doesn’t sell the film to you then I don’t know what will.
HIGH SPIRITS“Daryl Hannah, Peter O’Toole, Steve Guttenberg, Beverly D’Angelo, Jennifer Tilly, Peter Gallagher, and Liam Neeson star in this hilariously haunting comedy! When a castle-turned-hotel owned by Peter Plunkett (O’Toole) falls on hard financial times, he comes up with an idea to turn the place into a tourist attraction by billing it as Europe’s most haunted castle. But just when it seems he’ll have to give up the ghost, some real phantoms show up — and they’re none too thrilled about being exploited.”
Written and directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Byzantium), yes, THAT Neil Jordan, High Spirits is an entertaining, farcical affair. A group of tourists, disbelievers, and paranormal investigators visit an Irish castle with promises of ghostly sightings, an elaborate ploy to try and increase business. The charade put on by the employees fails, but the threat of foreclosure forces the resident ghouls to take matters into their own hands.
High Spirits has, at times, impressive production design, quality set pieces, a fine cast, and a rather playful approach to showing off a ghost story. How often do you see a horny ghoul fondling Beverly D’Angelo’s butt in the shower? It is a comedy, romance, and horror all rolled into one lighthearted affair. Sadly, it is a jack of all trades and master of none. It doesn’t particularly nail any of the genres it touches on, but the overall product is still a fun romp.
What viewers will take away is what an impressive cast is featured here, including Steve Guttenberg, Daryl Hannah, Beverly D’Angelo, Liam Neeson (as a horny farting ghost), Peter Gallagher, and Jennifer Tilly. The standout of course is the cinematic legend Peter O’Toole, delivering a performance that shows how a actor of his esteemed caliber and talent should approach a “lesser” or more frivolous role, with charm, wit, AND PATHOS. (A hint to Ben Kingsley there.) I remain convinced he was drunk throughout filming, which only adds to my awe of the man.
While Vampire’s Kiss holds cult status, High Spirits nestles comfortably to many as a mildly beloved curiosity. While its flaws are evident, the film still holds a charm that wins you over. Its presentation is a good quality, with image clarity better than anything a fan will remember from old VHS tapes or TV screenings, and that in itself is nice to see. Sadly no extra features are included; and considering how well known many of the cast are today, some reflections from them would have been a welcome addition.
BOTTOM LINEVampire’s Kiss offers a chance to see Nic Cage in all his unleashed glory, paired with a rare film commentary where he critiques himself. Well that alone makes this a must-buy. Being bundled together with the enjoyable romp that is High Spirits makes it an even greater treat. Two highly entertaining films looking better than I’ve ever seen them before in one set. Deranged, farcical entertainment that everybody should have on their shelf.
Vampire’s Kiss/High Spirits is available from 10th February. A link to purchase via Amazon is below or you can buy direct from SCREAM FACTORY.