The Addiction

Abel Ferrara is a cinematic enigma. How can one appropriately describe his films? He utilizes some of the most bold imagery and symbolism that you're ever likely to find in a mainstream film, yet is still firmly rooted in his beginnings as a director of classy exploitation films. He's among the grittiest of directors. Violence and nudity seem to be an ingrained part of his artistry, yet it feels truthful and not exploitive. I haven't decided if his film Bad Lieutenant is profoundly disturbing or disturbingly profound. I think it's the latter. If so, this film, The Addiction, might also fall into that category. It's a horror film. Kind of. It's a kind of horror film I might like to make one day. It's a vampire film. Kind of. However, vampirism to this film means much more than just charming Europeans sucking the blood of attractive virgins in a semi-sexual ritual. Lili Taylor plays a philosophy grad student who becomes a child of the night. It seems to me that the vampirism of this film becomes a metaphor for original sin. Before attacking, the vampire approaches its victim and says something to the effect of, "Tell me to go away. Tell me like you mean it!" Yet invariably, the victim never does. It's the essence of temptation: when it approaches, we always have the option of turning away. The victims, like us, have free will, but fail to use it. Then, they become addicted. The thirst for blood becomes an addiction -- like drugs... or certain sins. One of the vampires points out their nature by quoting theologian R.C. Sproul, "We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners." Therefore, they are not evil because they do evil; they do evil because they are evil. It is the fallen nature of man disguised as a vampire. In one of the most potent scenes, Taylor's character, after having become a vampire, accepts a tract from street preacher. Moments later we see her alone in room yelling violently, as if in an argument, "I will no submit! I will not submit!" as she tears at her clothes. For submission is the only way to control the addiction. I'm not sure what Ferrara's religious background is (Catholic, no doubt), but I understand that his frequent collaborator, Nicholas St. John, the writer, is a Christian. Probably the best scene in the movie is the one scene with Christopher Walken as a vampire who has managed to control his thirst and live a relatively normal life. It's a memorable role that he's perfect for. This is bold filmmaking, to be sure, almost as bold as Bad Lieutenant.