First, a word of caution, IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM,
PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS. IT CONTAINS SPOILERS.
My love of Dark Shadows
was something that grew over a period of years. I watched it on VHS as a child
and as a teenager, and eventually I got to watch the entire run starting on DVD
in 2001. I saw a few episodes of the 1991 version when it originally aired, but
still had to wait for DVD release to fully appreciate it as well. I won’t bore
readers further in this post, but if you want to know more about my fascination
with the series, click here.
For better or worse, I can best sum up my feelings by saying
that though I didn’t love it, I likewise didn’t hate it.
My main issue was with Angelique. Eva Green is wonderful,
but this version of Angelique was hard to take seriously. I wasn’t afraid of
her, and I didn’t see her as much of a threat at any point in the film.
The
original Angelique portrayed by the still gorgeous Lara Parker scared me half
to death. I hated Reverend Trask with a vengeance, but I was cheering him on
when he exorcised her. Angelique was pure evil. Her character did become more
enjoyable as they made her more complex, but no matter what incarnation she was
in, she was frightening. Lysette Anthony was equally terrifying in 1991.
This Angelique (called Angie through most of the film, and doesn’t that tell you something right off?) was just too cute and hip and
quirky. I disliked her, but I didn’t hate her and want her to get what was
coming to her. I really liked some of the special effects with her at the end
of the film as she crumbled and offered her shattering heart to Barnabas, but
her death left me shrugging and murmuring, “whatever.”
I also had issues with Julia Hoffman. In the series, Julia
and Barnabas began as enemies and then eventually bonded. I always loved their
incredibly complicated relationship. Their relationship in this film was one
dimensional and quite frankly just plain silly. I almost wish they’d just cut
her out altogether after seeing what was done with her incredibly rich and
intelligent character.
And dear Barnabas. I adore Johnny Depp, and his take was
interesting, but it left me totally flat. Watching Jonathan Frid flub a line
and look straight at the teleprompter while a boom mic hovered overhead, flies
circled the actors, and a crew member stepped into shot proved more moving,
IMHO. I absolutely adored Jonathan Frid and the sincere humanity and emotion he
brought to Barnabas. Lots of things can save a show from being cancelled, but
how often does an actor do it single-handedly?
I liked Ben Cross a lot in the
1991 version, and I even enjoyed the clips I have seen of Alec Newman as
Barnabas in the 2004 pilot that was not picked up.
But now onto the positive. I absolutely adored the opening
scenes from the 18th century up through Vicki’s train ride into Collinsport. Beautiful scenes. The
opening credit were fabulous and definitely gave me hope.
Michelle Pfieffer made my day as Elizabeth. I really thought
she was spot on. And Jonny Lee Miller could pass for Louis Edmonds’ son any day
of the week with those facial expressions. I liked what they did with Carolyn,
up until the very end of the movie. I loved her moodiness and general attitude. Willie had me laughing at times, but mostly he blended into the background. Poor David and Victoria got very little screen time, but I liked what I saw. And Josette's ghost came close to making me feel like I was watching an actual episode of Dark Shadows.
Jonathan Frid’s cameo, unfortunately, was so brief it was
easy to miss. My husband literally did miss it. However, it was heartwarming to
see some of my favorite people on the big screen. I’m hoping for some deleted
footage on the DVD. (Yes, I am going to buy it, if that colors my opinion one
way or another for anyone.)
The ending was a bit of a mess. Just too much going on, to
me, especially considering how slow the rest of the film was. I was very disappointed that, given all the allusions to David’s mother,
more was not done with her. When I saw David confront Angelique surrounded
by fire and talking about his mother, I was
expecting Laura Collins the immortal Phoenix, not a watery ghost. And Carolyn
suddenly wolfing out? I just didn’t see the point. Special effects were amazing
though, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Collinwood came to life in the finale,
but still not an impressive ending.
All things considered though, I was smiling at the end when
Barnabas and Josette finally, for once, get a happily ever after there at the
bottom of Widow’s Hill. We spoke with a fan who grew up watching the show as we
left the theater, and she said she was “finally satisfied” on that point too.
So, there it is. One fan’s opinion, take it or leave it. *cue
the Robert Cobert music*
