The Addiction

"The Addiction" is a weird film directed by Abel Ferrara with wonderful black-and-white cinematography and cast with Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken and Annabella Sciorra among others. However the story is boring and pretentious for those that are not connected to philosophy with reference and citations of many philosophers. Therefore recommended only for very specific audiences. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "O Vício" ("The Addiction")

I haven't seen THE ADDICTION in ten years, but I do recommend it from what I remember. And the list of attractive concepts are, envelope please: Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken, Anabella Sciorra, black and white meta-fictional film, and of course vampires galore! Abel Ferrara has directed other well known movies such as Bad Lieutenant, California, and the Funeral. Of these movies, I mildly recommend the first two but definitely not the third. The Funeral is plain boring and dreary, while the other two entertain by showing the gritty side of human nature.

Caution, if you're the type of vampire fan who must have each actor decked out in fangs and yellow contacts, then steer clear of this movie, since it's really questionable whether the characters in THE ADDICTION are actually vampires or are just plain junkies in nice clothes.

Lastly, there is a very complex philosophical feel to THE ADDICTION, as Lili Taylor muses about life and death in deep conversations in different venues around New York City: a college book store, movie theater, etc. I recommend any philosopher out there to grab THE ADDICTION off the shelves as soon as possible.

Speaking of the mid-90's, that short-lived era was a golden age for indie actors like Lili Taylor and Parker Posey. Taylor got a taste of vampire-hood early on in this movie, and fortunately for us, and for the committee, Posey got her fangs in Blade 3, which I was very happy to see happen. I mean, come on, all those party girls are really vampires at heart.

JY

Jimboduck-dot-com

'The Addiction' is one of the most original vampire movies ever made. In fact, I can't think of another one quite like it. Abel Ferrara has made some strange and disturbing movies in his time, and this one is as strange and disturbing as any. Lili Taylor ('I Shot Andy Warhol') is brilliant as a troubled, soul searching philosophy student who has an unexpected and life-changing encounter with a mysterious stranger ('Cop Land's Annabella Sciorra). Dark, deep, sometimes blackly humorous, and frequently too obscure for its own good, this can be heavy going at times, but is never less than interesting. Christopher Walken, who did some superb work for Ferrara in his classic 'The King Of New York', has only a cameo here, but what a cameo! Walken is terrific and unforgettable. The rest of the supporting cast includes 'The Sopranos' Edie Falco and (briefly) Michael Imperioli, Paul Calderon ('Girlfight'), and Kathryn Erbe ('Stir Of Echoes'). This is a unique movie that will be appreciated by those with an open mind and preference for "difficult" viewing. Recommended.

The Addiction (1995)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Student Kathleen Conklin (Lili Taylor) is walking home when Casanova (Annabella Sciorra) pulls her into a dark alley and bites her neck. Over the next few days Kathleen feels herself starting to change and quickly she grows an addiction for blood.

Abel Ferrara had a number of films that showed drug addiction including BAD LIEUTENANT, which he made a few years before this one. That film showed the addiction of heroin (and other things) and perfectly showed the downfall of what the drug could do. THE ADDICTION in many ways is another film about heroin but the difference is that it is turned into a vampire film. There have been countless vampire films over the years but leave it to Ferrara to turn the genre upside down and do something original.

As I said, the main character here is a vampire and shows an addiction for blood but it's easy to see that you can look at it the same way you would a heroin addiction. The various withdraws that Kathleen goes through are the same that you'd see for heroin but the director shows it through the eyes of a vampire. I must admit that I was really shocked to see how well the connection worked and there's no question that Ferrara milks it for all it's worth.

Even more impressive was the B&W cinematography, which is without question some of the greatest that you'll ever see. The cinematography really becomes its own character here as the director creates an incredibly thick and depression atmosphere. The decision to make this in B&W was extremely wise and it really pays off because it really does feel as if you're watching dead people move around in their world. The perfect use of rap music on the score just adds to the atmosphere and it really pays off.

Of course, another major aspect are the performances with Taylor delivering a striking character. I was really impressed with the actress because she really does a fantastic job at playing the various stages of the addiction. Seeing how she constantly changes throughout the film shows what a talent Taylor was and it's certainly unforgettable and deserves much more attention. Christopher Walken has an extended cameo here and does a wonderful job as well. The supporting players are all extremely effective in their parts as well.

THE ADDICTION isn't your typical vampire film but that's what makes it so special. The film demands that you pay close attention to everything going on but Ferrara has created a really dark and interesting world for these characters to live in and the film is highly recommended.

It's not about vampires, it is about resistance, or lack of it. About what may be right around the corner, about discipline, or about lack of discipline. About being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It can happen to anybody, and it happens to everybody. It's a pyramid scheme.

Beautiful black and white composition by Abel Ferrara tied tightly in a wonderfully creative Joe Delia score. Casting the usual Ferrara/indie suspects: Paul Calderone, Edie Falco, Kathryn Erbe, Lili Taylor, Annabella Sciorra. The theme of the movie presents 4 new questions for every one it answers. Do we have a choice? Can we resist? And just when we think we have it all figured out, Christopher Walken has to show up and throw an entirely new lilt on things.

Such is life.