Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
It’s not new to write about Near Dark, but it’s right to do so because it’s so good. Not very many movies scratch the western/romance/vampire genre. Kathryn Bigelow’s 1987’s blood fest tells the story of young Caleb (Adrian Pasdar), a farm boy who has fallen for a girl he met named Mae (Jenny Wright). Part cautionary tale, part survival tale, but overall a grand story about love makes Near Dark a strange and fantastic fit for the month of February.
Written by Bigelow and Eric Red, Near Dark is an experiment in pacing. Set to a Tangerine Dream soundtrack, the film looks dreamy and certain segments move slowly all while the movie is quick to kick off the story. It’s rare to find a move that gives off a feeling of tranquility while moving the story along with no time wasted. No sooner has Caleb been bitten by Mae than he’s baking in the sun and fighting his bloodlust. He’s a new vampire and quickly taken in by the elders in the gang. The one holdout is Severin (Bill Paxton), the loose canon, spur wearing vampire who acts on all of his impulses.
Severin excluded, the rest of the gang harbors feelings of love in their heart. Lance Henriksen plays Jesse, the oldest of the gang. He says he “fought for the South,” when he alludes to his age. He is partnered up with Diamondback (Jenette Goldstein). There is another in the group who does not have a love interest but laments his loneliness. Joshua John Miller plays Homer, a vampire who was turned as a child. He has adult needs and desires, but is trapped in a child’s body. He is overcome with loneliness and becomes fixated on Caleb’s kid sister. Feelings are everywhere in this film, but it is Mae’s love for Caleb that brings their story to the forefront. Mae sacrifices her place in her vampire family to rescue Caleb and his sister.
Near Dark is packed with all the gore a horror lover can want in a film. Explosions, faces burning off, and blood everywhere make this one of the top horror films. While so many romantic feelings motivate the characters, Bill Paxton’s over the top portrayal of the evil Severin easily makes him one of the scariest vampires of the silver screen.
Watch Near Dark with someone who will let you bite them.
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