Although much of The Fearless Vampire Killers appears to be on a par with the excessive frivolity of other sixties comic extravaganzas such as The Great Race, What’s New Pussycat and Casino Royale, the film’s beauty and artfulness cannot be ignored. It was, however, something of an anomaly in Polanski’s early career - coming on the heels of Repulsion and Cul-de-Sac and just before the chilling Rosemary’s Baby. Even so, Polanski proves himself adept (both as director and actor) at handling the fairly broad comedy that permeates this affectionate spoof of Hammer’s Gothic horror films. Revealingly, however, the playful, sub-Goonish humour of this tale of Professor Abronsius (a delightfully wiry Jack MacGowran) and his hapless assistant Alfred (Polanski) taking on the vampires of Transylvania is tempered with a sensuous visual assurance much more effective than anything Hammer ever achieved. The sprawling snowscapes of the dark, fairy tale setting are lusciously designed and captured, and grandiose set pieces such as the vampire’s ball are splendidly choreographed. Also, Christopher Komeda’s haunting, echoey score is as unsettling as anything heard in a ‘serious’ horror movie.
As an actor, Polanski emits a boyish likeability as MacGowran’s stooge; his unpretty, elfin looks and unshowy grasp of comic timing make you wish he’d done more work in front of the camera. The film also gave his real wife-to-be Sharon Tate her highest profile screen role (two years later, notoriously, she was murdered by the Manson gang) and features some good comic turns from old pros such as Alfie Bass. But it is as a sumptuous visual experience that The Fearless Vampire Killers remains in the memory; Polanski may have been fooling around and letting his hair down, but his artistic presence still dominates the proceedings.
(Or Pardon me, but your Teeth are in my Neck). Ancient but sprightly Professor Abronsius visits Transylvania to investigate vampire phenomena, and copes with numerous ludicrous situations aided by his incompetent assistant (excellently played by director Polanski). A witty and intelligent spoof with all the trimmings: creaky wooden houses, garlic, stakes, crucifixes, mirrors, fangs, you name it.
The Leopard 
MovieMail Latest
RSS Feeds | Podcast | October Film Catalogue | Subscribe to our email newsletter!
The Fearless Vampire Killers 
