Matinee Monday: Vampire's Kiss LIVE! (w/ Hayes Davenport)
Oct 23, 2023
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Hayes Davenport, host of Hollywood Handbook, joins the hosts to comprehend the 1988 film Vampire's Kiss. They discuss misfiled documents, whether Nicolas Cage becomes a vampire, and get actual answers from the film's director and star. They also analyze bizarre scenes, critique the 80s bra scene, and discuss acting preferences. The podcast delves into themes of disassociation, narcissism, and the struggles for love and genuine relationships in the movie.
The film delves into the toxic dynamics and power struggles between genders, shedding light on the damaging impacts of such relationships.
The protagonist's descent into madness is driven by a Freudian obsession with his mother and the concept of the maternal figure as a vampire, exploring the unsettling connection between desire, aggression, and distorted understanding of love and relationships.
The movie blurs the line between reality and illusion, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and unpredictability, challenging the viewer to question the authenticity of the protagonist's experiences.
Deep dives
The Descend into Madness
The protagonist, suffering from a mental breakdown, experiences a rapid descent into madness. As he grapples with delusions, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unhinged. His interactions with others become confrontational and he exhibits violent tendencies. The line between reality and illusion becomes blurred, resulting in a chilling and unsettling narrative.
Misogyny and Sexual Politics
The film explores themes of misogyny and sexual politics, highlighting the degradation and mistreatment of women. The protagonist's inappropriate behaviors and obsessive fixation on women reflect the societal power imbalances and inherent sexism. The movie delves into the toxic dynamics and power struggles between the genders, shedding light on the damaging impacts of such relationships.
Freudian Obsession and Maternal Vampirism
The protagonist's descent into madness is driven partly by his Freudian obsession with his mother and the concept of the maternal figure as a vampire. This Freudian interpretation suggests a deeply ingrained psychosexual complex, where his perceptions and fantasies intertwine with maternal figures. The film explores the unsettling connection between desire, aggression, and the maternal figure, highlighting the protagonist's distorted understanding of love and relationships.
The Blurring of Reality and Illusion
Throughout the movie, the line between reality and illusion becomes progressively blurred, with the protagonist's delusions and hallucinations taking center stage. This blurring creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and unpredictability, challenging the viewer to question the authenticity of the protagonist's experiences. It leaves the audience unsettled and questioning the true nature of the events portrayed.
The podcast discusses the chaotic production and ambiguous meaning of the movie
The podcast episode delves into the behind-the-scenes chaos of the movie and how the director and actor Nicholas Cage were unsure of what the film was about. The director admits to not fully understanding the movie and the actor's interpretation of the film's meaning involves a man driven insane by loneliness and an inability to find love. The discussion highlights the lack of clarity surrounding the film's purpose and leaves it open to individual interpretation.
The podcast explores bizarre and memorable moments from the movie
The podcast episode also covers some standout moments from the movie, such as the use of a real bat during filming, the shocking scene of Nicholas Cage swallowing a live cockroach, and the eccentric behavior of the characters. The hosts express their fascination with these weird and memorable elements, including Cage's commitment to certain scenes and the unexpected choices made during production. The discussion highlights the unique and unconventional nature of the film, which contributes to its cult following.
Hayes Davenport (Hollywood Handbook) joins Paul, June, and Jason LIVE from the Now Hear This Festival in Anaheim, CA to try to comprehend what's happening in the 1988 Nicolas Cage film Vampire’s Kiss. They cover everything from the legendary misfiling & ABC’s scene to whether or not Cage becomes a vampire by the end of the movie. Plus, in a HDTGM first, we get actual answers from the director and star of the film as to what was happening in the movie, what the mimes were doing, and how they almost used a real bat. (Originally Released 11/11/2016)
