The Addiction **** (1995, Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken, Annabella Sciorra) – Classic Movie Review 1600

Director Abel Ferrara’s rousing, moody, intelligent 1995 horror movie is a vampire parable, set in the 1930s.

Lili Taylor is on scalding form as philosophy doctoral student Kathleen Conklin, who’s bitten by a female vampire while walking back home one night in New York City, giving her new insights into life and death.

This is great, clever stuff from inspired director Ferrara, turning in a brilliant-looking movie, filmed in dazzling black and white images from cinematographer Ken Kelsch. The first-class screenplay is by Nicholas St John.

Christopher Walken is stupendous as Peina, one of the undead, so it’s a huge pity he hasn’t got much more to do.

Edie Falco, Paul Calderon, Fredro Starr, Kathryn Erbe and Michael Imperoli are also in the fine cast.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1600

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