“I’m terribly sorry, but you have no idea how thirsty I am!”
Dark Shadows is based on the tv series from 1966 and remake in 1991. This once again sees Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter working together. The story revolves around the Collins family who are the founding family of the town of ‘Collinsport’ after emigrating from Liverpool in the late 1700′s. Barnabas Collins (played by Depp), was changed into a vampire by the witch and his former lover, Angelique Bouchard, after he rejected her love in favour of Josette DuPres. He was chained up in a coffin and left for ‘undead’!
Barnabas is finally freed from his entombment in 1972, when construction work begins on his burial site. He finds his way back to his original childhood home ‘Collingwood’, and the current Collins take him under their wing with some reluctance. Barnabas is horrified when he realises the Collins family are not thriving as they were a couple of centuries ago and makes it his mission the restore the family business and honour. However, he soon realises the task may not be as easy as he had hoped.
I think Depp may well have pulled of a vampire to keep everyone happy…..Barnabas bears a slight resemblance to Count Orlok played by Max Schreck in the classic 1922 Nosferatu. His fingernails and the manner in which he moves his hands are also similar. He manages to be both charming but deadly, succumbing to his need for blood, (as the quote above illustrates well). There is no ‘sparkling’ and the sun will set him on fire. (Personally I can cope with a bit of sparkle, but I know a lot of people find it insulting to vampire mythology, and I understand why).
The film is very funny, with some great one liners as Barnabas struggles to cope with adjusting to life in the year 1972. Some other reviewers were frustrated by the comedy, but I think it works very well and adds to the film, as does the excellent ’70′s soundtrack.
All of the cast work well, but for me the outstanding performances were from Johnny Depp and Eva Green who plays Angelique. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and will be going to see it again. If you’re a fan of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp then you’ll love it! If not, you may not……Some people have said it’s an excuse for Depp to be self indulgent. I don’t agree, but even if that was the case, what’s the problem? It’s Johnny Depp!!
See it if you liked: Fright Night, The Addams Family





















