After the unparalleled Hard Candy, I don’t think anyone could have guessed that David Slade would do a vampire movie next. Considering it’s based on the beautiful graphic novel illustrated by Ben Templesmith, it turns out to be quite an obvious choice for such a visual director. 30 Days of Night is almost as faithful to its source material as Sin City, and there are many frame for frame re-enactments. This film looks and sounds fantastic. The incidental music may be a little overwrought (and way too loud) but it’s an impressive visual and aural package.
The seemingly ubiquitous Danny Huston is the head vamp, and he must have had an awesome time. Made to look as ugly as possible – pale, with a shark-like maw and speaking in some arcane tongue, it’s certainly well removed from the rest of his work. Ben Foster also puts in a memorable performance as the creepily voiced Stranger.
Apart from the sound and vision, the only other thing this movie gets right is the prosthetics. This film features easily the best decapitations I’ve ever seen. On film or in person.
30 Days of night is enough of a spectacle to keep you entertained – the vamps are scary, the blood runs free – but is rather a hollow horror film.