A brief overview of the history of Russian vampires in films and TV series.
On Halloween, questions always arise: What costume to choose? What movie to watch? Attention is often directed to foreign projects and their characters. We, however, suggest taking a closer look at vampires from Russia. Perhaps we can find the perfect look here?
The article contains spoilers
High Society from the film 'The Blood Drinkers' (1991)
Among the first fanged ones on Russian screens were the high-society ghouls from the film 'The Blood Drinkers' by Evgeny Tatarsky, based on the story 'The Ghoul' by Alexei Tolstoy. One of the central roles was played by Marina Vlady. She managed to create a seductive image of a bloodthirsty general's wife.
According to film critic Lidia Maslova, 'The Blood Drinkers' did not allow themselves to openly joke with the 'vampire' genre and preferred a lofty relationship with it. However, Marina Vlady in the role of the bloodthirsty general's wife could not compensate for the lack of directorial scope, which is absolutely necessary in such a case. The intonation of 'dead seriousness' is contraindicated for the directorial worldview of Evgeny Tatarsky.'
The film creates a mysterious atmosphere thanks to beautiful sets and costumes. The magnificent musical score performed by Sergey Kuryokhin only further enhances the film's gloomy mood.
Vampires from the film 'The Ghoul'
In 1997, the film 'The Ghoul' by Sergei Vinokurov was released, a typical 90s action movie, but with a touch of mysticism. The main character, played by Alexei Serebryakov, is a professional hunter of evil spirits. At the request of a local crime boss, he arrives on an island completely mired in murders and repressions by bloodsuckers.
'The Ghoul' is a vivid attempt to create a vampire genre in the history of modern Russian cinema for a mass audience. A slightly naive, slightly banal, but very atmospheric action movie. Critics have a mixed opinion about this film. Some praise it for the idea itself, while others are bothered by the ragged script and rushed narrative. But everyone agrees on one thing: if you remove all the supernatural elements, it becomes a classic film about 90s gangster showdowns.
According to Sergei Vinokurov, they tried to 'dissolve this whole situation in modern everyday life,' while in some situations 'reaching seriousness,' but in such a way that 'always half a step away, and it turns into a comic situation.'
All events take place to the soundtrack of the musical group Tequila Jazz. The band leader Evgeny Fedorov recalled that they recorded the music in great haste, but the result still turned out decent.
Andrei from the film 'Night Watch'
In 2004, a film was released that revived the theme of bloodsuckers on Russian screens. Among the numerous representatives of the dark forces, one can also find the vampire barber Andrei. According to production designer Varya Avdyushko, Andrei's image was intentionally created to be sloppy. One cannot imagine a well-dressed representative of the blood-loving race in an abandoned barbershop.
Valery and Kostya Saushkin from the film 'Day Watch'
Kostya is the lover of the Dark witch Alisa Donnikova (Zhanna Friske). His father, Gennady, works at a market chopping meat. Sometimes he carries out tasks for Zavulon. In the film 'Day Watch,' he began killing Dark magicians with a magical wooden dagger. Kostya decided to kill Zavulon, but Zavulon struck Kostya with this weapon, additionally throwing him out of a window. Alisa wanted to resurrect her beloved with the Chalk of Destiny, but she failed.
The Saushkin family lives in an ordinary small Moscow apartment. Kostya wants to break out 'into the people,' while his father tries to talk sense into him. Interestingly, as conceived by the authors, we observe the generational relationship more and do not pay attention to their vampire origin.
Vampires of the Central Zone
A pensioner, a policeman, a doctor, a teacher, a student — a complete social package. This year, viewers met a unique vampire family from Smolensk. Everyone will find a favorite here. It could be the wise Uncle Slava, the amorous doctor Jean-Ivanovich, the caustic but loving Olga, or the positive Zhenek. The sparkling style of 'magical ordinariness' will make you laugh at the problems of vampires in everyday life, shed a tear at touching moments, and rack your brains over the detective component of the project.
‘Vampires of the Central Zone’ changed the lead actor during filming, and perhaps earned widespread love thanks to this decision.
Open materialBONUS: Dmitry Belikov from the film 'Vampire Academy'
We can also encounter our vampires in foreign films. For instance, in 2014, the world saw the film 'Vampire Academy' featuring one of them. The unforgettable image of the vampire Dmitry Belikov was created by Danila Kozlovsky.
'Vampire Academy' is a science fiction thriller by Mark Waters, based on the first novel in the book series of the same name by Richelle Mead.
Danila Kozlovsky plays a dhampir, i.e., half-vampire-half-human, Dmitry Belikov. When it comes to dealing with evil spirits, Belikov is calm and cold-blooded, but when it comes to love, he is passionate and reckless.
'Vampire Academy' was Danila's first Hollywood film. According to the actor, his English at the start of filming was terrible, but towards the end, he stopped feeling self-conscious about it.
'During the conversation, the director told me that I was cast. And I didn't understand and just nodded to him,' Kozlovsky recalls. 'And there was no translator, because they can't afford to waste time on a translator — it almost doubles the process. It was, on one hand, a challenge, and on the other — when you're thrown in like a puppy into water, you have to find a way to swim out.'
This film is also noteworthy because, for once in an American film, a domestic actor plays not a stereotypical Russian mafioso with a terrible accent. We did not get a continuation of the film saga, but recently there have been rumors about a TV series revival of the vampire story. Who will embody the image of Dmitry this time is unknown.
What to Expect in the Near Future?
The vampire theme is beginning to actively take over our cinema. 2021 promises to give us two more projects about the fanged ones.
Empire V
A fantasy film by Viktor Ginzburg, an adaptation of Pelevin's novel 'Empire V'. Starring: Pavel Tabakov and Miron Oxxymiron Fedorov.
Karamora
The film takes place in an alternative pre-revolutionary Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. An anarchist from pre-revolutionary Russia, Karamora, learns that the Tsarist government relies on a secret order of vampires. When Karamora loses his beloved because of them, he gathers a team of fighters and declares war on the evil spirits. This unknown war will change the fate of the entire country.
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