Vampire in Brooklyn: Eddie Murphy's Misunderstood Masterpiece Turns 30
It's time to revisit a movie that was once deemed Eddie Murphy's worst, but now deserves a second chance. 'Vampire in Brooklyn', released 30 years ago, was a horror-comedy that left audiences and critics confused, but there's more to this film than meets the eye.
A Star's Fall from Grace: Eddie Murphy, the iconic comedian and actor, was on a downward spiral after the disappointing 'Beverly Hills Cop III'. He needed a comeback, but 'Vampire in Brooklyn' seemed like a bizarre choice. The film, directed by Wes Craven, was a critical and commercial failure, earning less than its predecessor and holding a mere 14% on the Tomatometer. It was soon overshadowed by another Murphy flop, 'The Adventures of Pluto Nash'.
Behind the Scenes Drama: An oral history of the film's making, now largely forgotten, reveals a complex production. Murphy's involvement was driven by a desire to break free from his comedic image, inject humor into horror, or perhaps even spite his longtime studio, Paramount Pictures. The result? A movie that couldn't decide if it was a gothic horror, a fright flick, or an action-comedy with vampires.
A Unique Blend of Genres: Despite its flaws, 'Vampire in Brooklyn' offers an intriguing mix of genres. Murphy plays Max, a vampire seeking to turn Angela Bassett's character, Rita, into his vampire bride. The film is part horror, part comedy, and part romance, with a dash of social commentary. It's like a dark reflection of Murphy's romantic comedy 'Boomerang', where his character's obsession with a woman is taken seriously amidst the silliness.
A Cult Classic in the Making: While it may not be a laugh-out-loud comedy, 'Vampire in Brooklyn' shines as a vampire movie. Angela Bassett's performance is a standout, and the film provides a rare opportunity for a predominantly Black cast to take center stage in a genre often dominated by white actors. It's a far cry from Murphy's sci-fi flop, 'The Adventures of Pluto Nash'.
A Tale of Redemption: The year after 'Vampire in Brooklyn', Murphy and Craven both bounced back. Murphy delivered 'The Nutty Professor', a massive hit, while Craven directed 'Scream', a slasher masterpiece that spawned a franchise. These successes highlight the misfit nature of 'Vampire in Brooklyn', a film that stands out as an oddity in their careers.
But here's where it gets controversial—is 'Vampire in Brooklyn' a misunderstood gem or a misguided attempt at genre-bending? Was it ahead of its time or simply a misstep? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss this intriguing chapter in Eddie Murphy's illustrious career.
