In Throes Of Increasing Wonder
The journalist, Daniel Molloy, is introduced to Louis de Pointe Du Lac in the first episode of his new show, “Interview with the Vampire.” The letter is a handwritten letter from the author of the novel, Louis de Pointe Du Lac, and it tells of a time when they were both students at a prestigious university. The journalist learns that de Pointe Du Lac was once an important figure in French society and he offers his condolences for what has happened to him.
Daniel pulls out his old boombox and starts playing a tapes where it is revealed that this man is, in fact, a vampire. The letter reveals that he’s been following Daniel’s success through all these years and has helped give him some perspective since the last time they spoke.
Louis wants Daniel to finish the project they once started. It has been 49 years since they shared a room in San Francisco, but this time will be different. This time, Louis is going to reveal his entire life story. ..
Daniel takes Louis up on his offer, where the latter points out how old Daniel is and how he has Parkinson’s Disease. Barely anyone knows that he’s actually ill, which seemingly confirms the intimate bonds these two have, but there’s also a lot of history too, complete with an undercurrent of tension. When the interview begins, we jump back in time to 1910; Storyville, New Orleans.
In the early 1800s, Louis was on course to inherit his father’s business, which works in the field of “pleasure.” Essentially, Louis’ father owns a series of brothels and Louis works as a pimp. Trouble lurks around every corner, including his priest brother Paul whom he pulls a knife on when he tries praying outside one of Louis’ pleasure houses. He’s not actually going to gut his brother, but it’s a small way of showing who’s the boss.
This small act also attracts the attention of Lestat De Lionheart, a new arrival in town who gushes over Louis’ job when the pair meet a little while later.
Lestat claims that Louis sold him a townhouse, and antagonizes the latter, with wandering hands all over Miss Lily (whom Louis has affection for). Despite rage building up, Louis is unable to move, seemingly spellbound by Lestat’s power. ..
Lestat believes that Louis is his destiny, showing both emasculation and admiration in equal measure. This strange charismatic man has powers beyond hypnosis though. During a card game, he seems to freeze time, speaking only to Louis. “I believe there is great opportunity in this city.” He says, with a smile. “but to seize it, I’ll need protection from the wolves.”
Daniel and Louis begin hanging out at night as Daniel discusses to Louis how he was seduced by Lestat. The pair have a symbiotic bond. Louis begins telling Lestat his troubles and his worries, unaware that he’s being hunted by the vampire, who looks longingly at his neck.
Lestat tries to sweeten up the family with gifts, and shows up for dinner where he’s questioned over his relationship with Louis. Paul doesn’t take kindly to him though, wanting to know what his relationship with God is.
Lestat’s admission that he has a strong relationship with Christ is a significant development in his story. It shows that despite his past, Lestat is still capable of caring for others and has a deep connection to God.
The next scene we see Louis and Lestat together in a Pleasure House. Things get hot and heavy, eventually leading to Lestat biting Louis’ neck, naked, from behind. This is not Brokeback Mountain; the pair awkwardly ascend into the air and stand stiffly (no pun intended) together. Lestat lets him go after taking a little drink; not enough to turn him into a vamp or kill him. ..
Louis is both unsettled and aroused by the act. However, it also allows him to open up a little bit…but not too much. An openly gay black man in New Orleans in 1910, deep in the heart of white society, certainly won’t fly with the general public. ..
In a conversation with Paul on the roof of his building, Louis discusses his future and business interests. Paul calls Lestat the devil before mysteriously turning toward the lifting sun and jumping off the roof, committing suicide.
In the last sunrise Louis ever saw, Lestat took control of his brother. With his mother blaming him for Paul’s death, Louis decides against going to the wake and is summoned to Lestat. Although Louis manages to get away long enough to arrive at the church to confess his sins, Lestat is not far behind.
Lestat punched the priest through the skull, destroying the place and starting a fire. ..
After spending time alone in the flickering light of the fire, Lestat admits that he loves Louis and saw sorrow in his eyes when they first met. He manages to disarm the tortured soul, promising to get rid of the pain he’s feeling. And with that, Louis allows himself to be turned into a vampire. ..
The Episode Review
The Vampire gets off to a good start with some beautiful cinematography, gorgeous characterization and a smart premise. The modern spin on this classic is nicely handled, although I can appreciate that it might turn some people off. There’s also the annoying reminder of the pandemic at the start of the episode, which serves absolutely no purpose. Thankfully, the rest of the chapter settles into a steady, hypnotic rhythm.
Louis is a fascinating character with a rich history that will be the focus of this season. His ties to Lestat will be the star of the show, and his interactions with other characters will be intriguing to watch.
The first episode of “Vampires” introduces the characters and sets the scene for the rest of the series. This story is being told in a new and exciting way, injecting vampires into the mainstream media. ..
