Ep.2 of Interview with the Vampire doesn’t know which story it wants to tell
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- How do this Louis's new life circumstances impact the beginning of his vampire journey and relationship with Lestat? A Vampire chronicles expert’s breakdown of episode 2 of AMC’s Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire TV series.
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I really like your commentary on this. I do want to point out something that is very important and it is what makes his actions make sense: Louis is Black. (I'm Black, BTW, with a very religious extended family. I am speaking about the knowledge I have and, what I have seen and experienced.)
You have to understand that gayness was something that would be beat out of you if you were Black. It was (and still is in a lot of places) thought of as a 'white' thing. Something that doesn't occur naturally amongst the Black Diaspora. Lestat would and could say and do a lot of things, but if they want to maintain any sort of 'reality', Louis is more limited in what he does. Someone on the street would see him and his mother would be telling him off the next day. But in truth, and depending on their status, a Black man may do something very subtle, not do anything, or even react in anger. And with all that Louis does, he has to maintain that 'in control' air. Gayness is weakness (especially to those who are very religious). And Louis can't let people believe that.
I'm an old-schooler that read this book on its first printing when I was 15 years old. I absolutely adore Louis and Lestat and I couldn't be more excited about this adaptation of the series. I am so excited about what is to come!❤⚰
Couldn’t be said better 😊
That cemetery scene with Lestat going about his business while Louis is in agony and experiencing A LOT being played as if for laughs feels very on brand to me. haha
The Rembrandt painting on display in Louis' house is "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee" which was stolen in 1990 from the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and never found. It tickles my funny bone that they chose this painting in particular, suggesting much of the lost works of fine art over the years have been hidden away in the private collections of vampires.
I believe the outburst they refer to is the fact that the first episode ended with Louis crying, which is the one time we’ve seen him truly vulnerable (emotionally, so far, as a vampire)
omg you're right! he should have put his head in his hands or something because i completely forgot 💀
The outburst is from the morning when he sped over to Daniel and took the cassette player out of his hand in the beginning of episode 1. The start of the second episode is later that evening during dinner.
Luis has a hard time saying he loves Lestat for a pretty obvious reason. The last time Luis says "I love you" to someone, it's to his little brother, who then proceeds to kill himself right in front of Luis. His mother's phrase in the next scene, "You must have said something to make him do that..." Seriously, the main point in both Interview with the Vampire and the Vampire Lestat books is that Luis and Lestat do not communicate with each other very well. Both for very obvious traumatic reasons. While Lestat is more open with his affections and love, he doesn't always know how to show it, and he still keeps secrets regarding the vampire species (we can thank Marius for that). Meanwhile, Luis can't say "I love you" because of the trauma of his brother's suicide. In essence I think it's very obvious that both men are terrified of loosing each other, losing themselves, being alone and without purpose in their life (in that they are very similar despite their glaring differences).
On the point of Lestat looking down upon humanity, it's important to remember that this Louis is markedly different than the Louis in the books. We have no idea whether he is telling the truth or not, or how truthful he is generally.
I agree. The "unreliable narrator" trope was literally the justification for the second book.
And this is someone who spent lying to others and himself about his sexuality. Unreliability runs deep in his damned veins.
"different" You mean worst right?
about the mind reading thing, lestat said that he can't read louis' mind, and not that he can't speak to him telepathically. I interpreted it as them being able to communicate voluntarily shared conversations in their minds, but unable to read each others private thoughts without consent like lestat did with louis before. So that explains why lestat made that sad face, cos if louis doesn't want to open up to him, whether through speaking through his mouth or mind, lestat has no way to know louis' real thoughts.
Ngl the only reason I think of that is because I already encountered stories with telepathy that differentiates from reading other people's minds and projecting to other people's minds.
This comment gives me hope that this plot change is not going to be a major problem in future episodes. Thank you.
That is also how I interpreted that. Especially with the conversation about how he hears others from miles away communicating
to speak with him telepathically he MUST read his mind lol
I’m with some of the comments saying that even though this interview is supposed to be more honest, we are still seeing Lestat through Louis’s eyes. I’m still having a great time with the show despite all the changes! And I don’t really mind the comedic tone of this episode. I’m usually a huge nitpicker but I don’t feel that urge at all with this series for some reason. Maybe I’m just withholding judgement until I can see the series as a whole. I will admit the lampshading among other things are kind of silly
I wonder if they make TVL if Lestat will explain how he kills evil doers, and explains the backstory of some of the victims he killed in IWTV and how they were bad people. I was thinking that myself that this is still all through Louis’s eyes and it’s how Lestat is described in IWTV before Anne changed him to be the hero
Wouldn't it be interesting if the second season was told ENTIRELY from Lestat's POV? hmmmm
@@freddyjafar1490 I honestly predict that's what they're going to do. the actor for louis has a contract for a season+ two episodes only.
@@angelacanedit damn. That would be wild. So we get a second season based on the source material for "The Vampire Lestat" and wouldn't it be fascinating if every single season was an interview with a different vampire within the The Vampire Chronicles universe with Lestat and Louis just setting up the stage to keep exploring the nature of vampirism from different eras and perspectives?
@@angelacanedit where did you read that?
I can sort of understand how present-day Louis can admit to loving Lestat, but past-Louis couldn't even admit it to himself. Lestat might have seen enough romantic potential in Louis' mind before turning him into a vampire, and has convinced himself that he can rely on it to form the basis of a long-term relationship. Does that make sense?
I felt that too
And when that didn't work he pulled the oldest trick in the book : becoming a baby dada😇
personally think the campy moments really works well for Queer Horror. As a POC I do think they are handling race pretty well and them acknowledging how the power dynamic looks is definitely something I needed. Anyway Fun video as always. As a person who is loving this show I like seeing what book fans think.
Totally agree about the power dynamic. It's a genuine issue between them and the show is both saying and showing that. Lestat doesn't and can't understand this part of Louis, and I think it serves well as a serious conflict.
Lestat speaking to Louis telepathically is definitely a break from canon, however, being able to contact someone telepathically and speak to his mind doesn't necessarily equate to being able to read his mind.
It could be like someone using the intercom even if they can't get in the apartment.
that’s the only i felt weird about the episode, cuz it kinda invalidades his speech about not being able to access louis’ mind. but this does make sense.
The softness (romanticism) of the episode felt more ‘true to events’ to me. I’ve always thought that Louis’ overt anger towards Lestat in the book as “the lady doth protest too much”. Reading between the lines there are glimpses of that affection towards each other even in the first book. If I recall, Lestat verbalises this in his book as well. Louis just never puts it down on paper so to speak.
The episode does have a single line that belies Louis’ true feeling. “The ground beneath me always felt… liquid” that’s the closest we’ll get to an admission that he’s head over heels for Lestat as well.
"You'd think that after a century he'd be better a catching the blood in his mouth" - Lestat, complaining about their casket-bed problems to their relationship therapist. (Loving your reviews Maven ♥)
The scene where Daniel and Louis talk about vampires coming out of hiding and wanting to expand their power felt like an arrow pointing to The Queen of the Damned. Akasha's purge of most of the world's vampires in that book is brought on by the fact that she believes most of her vampire progeny are garbage, and she doesn't want them to exist in the perfect new world she creates. I wonder if this indicates that they already have a Queen of the Damned adaptation in mind and are sowing the seeds for it now, but have changed the context.
I thought that too
I 100% thought it was a setup for a Queen of the Damned adaptation during that dialogue exchange.
Considering the changes already made, I wouldn't deny that possibility
It's certainly possible, I mean it's quite coincidental that Louis is living in the Middle East where Akasha originated!
@@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459 Damn damn
i like that they're keeping the rule about not drinking dead blood. if they *can* drink dead blood, there's not much of an excuse for murdering people imo. especially for a vampire that supposedly loves humans. in that case, and if you love people so much, drink from corpses and animals... but he doesn't love humanity enough to do that, he still prioritizes his own pleasure over human life if he's willing to kill people for food.
Not unlike real life people people who say they love animals but eat meat. I feel like I'm giving this sucky show too much credit by suggesting that's an intended analogy, but who knows?
But doesn't Louis drink a bag of blood for dinner in the first episode? That inconsistency really bugged me.
I agree, but how do we explain Louis drinking the blood bag? I thought vampires had to drink directly from the source?
@@EmeraldDreams7 I think the explanation is that the show is bad and no one cares enough to fix glaring inconsistencies.
@@Sarcasticron I mean bagged blood usually comes from living human not from the dead one
Ok but the show actually is acknowledging the racsim in universe? I don't understand why the people who were demanding that are now complaining about it.
Yes I agree, the only thing in this ep that I questioned was the use of modern terms like "queer", and at the time those words were non-existent (I think) the discussion was interesting but they could have approached it using other terms.
@@leticiamv That hit my ear weird too, but I guess he was using it in the pejorative sense.
@@leticiamv I know for sure that the word queer existed, but it was mostly used to call something strange or weird, but it was used to refer to gay people as being taboo.
@@otterzrkuhl Ah I understand now, interesting...
@@leticiamv hii yes the whole reason as to why the word queer is used now is because historically speaking it was used as a derogatory term for gay people and it was reclaimed by the community.
I personally didn't feel that Lestat went from 0 to 11 after severing the opera singers vocal cords. I think he was AT 11 during the opera as the tenor messed up all the notes that he sang. I saw how much Lestat was seething during the Opera and at home while humiliating the singer. As someone who been in a relationship before with an artistic and highly passionate person who's very quick to anger, I totally related to that one scene. That scene was slightly triggering as having gone through something similar...but less bloody. In regards to the opening dialogue between Louis and Daniel I do how many scenes have been cut. Lastly, thank you so much for the amazing content. You have quickly become my #1 source for all things vampiric.
Not going to lie that is extremely annoying as a passionate artist to see an average person get an important role so even though i was an extreme reaction, I was laughing because it's understandable 😂
I like this episode, it is so domestic. Race is addressed in this show and will continue to be addressed. I don't know how much more people want without it becoming preachy. What are they supposed to do but have characters talk about it, Lestat can't solve racism. Like if anyone has ever been in an interracial relationship or one where the person is wealthier, you realized you can't change it, just work through it. Do you want them to never depict interracial relationships? Should they stop every episode to have a lecture? It is incorporated into the plot and dialogue. Vampires can project thoughts, Armand does it to Louis & Claudia in IWTV. Mind reading is different from projection. I think Louis is being unreliable again and is not a great lover, Louis not saying "I love you" and being less affectionate is his internalized homophobia. He's probably 40, lestat has 200 years to accept his sexuality. You don't immediately unlearn your homophobia just because you're in your first relationship. Maintaining the thread is sharing a meal with humans. Imma gives these reviews a break because of knit-picking and constant comparison to the books, despite being an AU. I will probably watch after I have finished the shows, because I usually enjoy Maven.
I agree with you 💯. I posted the same comment about the nitpicking above before I even finished the video! I’m at the part where she’s speaking about Daniel’s comment about “master and student” and I feel like Louis’ response was spot on. I enjoy the fact that the writers are dealing with the race part of their relationship as it comes up in conversation. It’s realistic. Interracial couples don’t sit around talking about the fact that they’re in an IR relationship all the time! I may have to back off from watching her reviews for the show until the end of the season as well, if at all. Something about her “take” is rubbing me the wrong way…😅
Good points. I also think when Louis describes himself as worshipful he's referring to how he sees himself in comparison to Lestat, and wishes to emulate him but is unable to. I also think the way he's handled killing is the same way he's handled so many other elements of his life. He's playing a role.
I don't know if the show is being intentional here but I think Louis isn't openly defying Lestat because of their race. He can't help himself he's being what his white lover wants him to be. He doesn't have it in him to go against lestat completely so he plays the role expected of him. It's fucked up but that's the vibe here. He has moments of clarity but reverts our of habit.
@@Sasha0406 I agreed, I've been a fan of hers for a while so I am giving her the benefit of the doubt. But I have never seen her apply this nitpicky, constant comparison review style to anything else. I don't mind her outing out actual criticism because nothing is perfect. But too many times in these videos, 'not like the book' is a criticism of its own. and it's like, even Anne Rice retconned the hell out of the books. They aren't perfect, and change isn't sacrilegious. After the series, I have gotten a full picture of the series maybe I can find more to critique. I think the race element is being handled well in every episode so far. And I and my fellow blk fans on Tumblr, discord and Instagram agree.
@@agdoren I am a bit confused on your meaning. Yeah, I believe Louis was completely charmed and enamored with Lestat, he shows it time and time again by ignoring Lestat's red flags and also by everything he said about him having a way about him. Louis is trying to be a vampire like Lestat but he cannot ever be, and yes, I agree he's again playing the role. Like "And I was afraid to disappoint" is a big theme of this episode. Despite his agency and asserting himself, he wants to be a good vampire for Lestat. He wants an A in vampirism because he has been exceptional his whole life, and being good at killing, etc is tied to making their companionship work. He can never be his equal if he's dead weight. I feel Louis rebelling against Lestat's behavior will become more explicit in coming episodes, and I think a part of him still regrets got being able to be a good vampire because his failure to kill like Lestat is what will trigger their big falling out. And present-day Louis might look back at it as a mistake on his part. Even if it felt warranted at the time.
@@pepperannfan1 I was very concerned as a BW how they would handle the race issue and I’m pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
I’ve just decided that I’m probably gonna lay off reviews for now and just watch the show in peace, because the last thing I want to do is get all up in feelings in these comment sections. 😀 Like you said, it’s only been 2 episodes so there may be something that I don’t like coming down the line, but thus far I’m LOVING it!
On a side note, in Episode 2, when Louis told Lestat he had one more time to call him fledgling because it’s starting to sound a lot like slave. Lestat said that’s not what he meant. When Louie said “Well that’s what tf it sound like!” I hollered!😂🤣😂 because that’s exactly what I would have said in that situation and Jacob delivered that line spot on. 😂
I think the more light tone was mean to show it was the "honeymoon" stage in their relationship.
I think we will discover that even though this account is supposed to be more "honest" than Louis' first interview, he is still embellishing or his recollection isn't the same as Lestat's.
The way Louis describes the other vampires in the modern day, sounds like the writers mixed up IWTV and VTM. "OMG! They all want to break The Masquerade!! OMG! They think like the Sabbat!" 🙃
I'm also behind the theory that Rashid may be Armand, though I can't imagine Armand being Louis' personal assistant or calling him a god unironically.
They talked about the situation when Louis attacked Daniel when he first interviewed him. He even turned the tape on to remind him about it.
Right 👍🏼
The fact that Lestat wanted Louis to shed all constraints, and yet..Louis is just...not..doing so, I think it seems is kind of the whole point? The whole root of their conflict?
Lestat seems to hate seeing Louis suffering[ with accepting their own shared vampire nature] like Louis does. But seems incapable of grasping precisely why Louis does suffer over it so, at all. He expected Louis to care less-and he doesn't know what to do with it now, since Louis actually doesn't. And it seems as if Louis doesn't feel like Lestat will actually love or accept him as he is, _unless_ he does indeed care less like Lestat wants him to do.
(But maybe that's just me🤔😅 ^-^)
I think the repetition with regards to Louis emphasizing Lestat's influence, is a hint towards his still being an unreliable narrator. Despite presumably being more outwardly accepting of his feelings for Lestat and his sexuality in 2022 Vs 1973 - he still feels the need to be defensive in the face of Daniel's judgement. And, depending on his present motivations, he could be either exaggerating the romanticism OR reducing it. Whichever he thinks will further the human - or vampire response to his story.
I still think Daniel is repressing in terms his history with sexuality, but I could be wrong.
What you don't understand is here, Louis is acting out to provoke Daniel. That has been their dynamic from the beginning. Knowing that, I just laughed through that scene
“The problematic dynamic is never brought up again” and ten minutes later Louis rants about how Lestat doesn’t understand what it’s like to be black and treats him like a slave
I enjoyed the 2nd episode, probably more than the first one.
The way Louis’s first night as a vampire was depicted was more on par with how I imagined it from the novel.The first 10 to 15 minutes was the best., with Louis’s body adjusting to Lestat’s blood in him. And how we as a viewer gets to experience what it feels like ( like being on E).
It was a surprisingly funny episode. The dark humor I appreciated ,specially after watching the very , dark,toxic,somber, and predatory first episode.
I love how the kills are comedic in fashion ( I laughed out loud )and yet we are reminded and chastised that the victims are somebody ‘s father or loved ones. The dinner scene ( Did you it the baby ?) sequence with Daniel and was both funny and suspenseful
"Did you eat the baby?"
@@freddyjafar1490 You don’t bite the blood , you suck it. 😂😂😂
Maven " I wanna know about the farm!"
Me, thinking they're being tongue and cheek about feasting on the blood of slaves and that reveal will not be so fun.
So, Louis has modern slaves of his own now? Ok....
@@freddyjafar1490 Look, nobody omits talking about a farm unless it's effed up
I really like your reviews of the show so far. I think you do a good job of giving the show a fair chance, analyzing its themes and what the vampire means in it, while also examining how it adapts the original work. Some bits might come as nitpicky, but you make sure to clarify that's not the intention. There are things that need to be changed to fit a new medium, but other changes weren't made for that reason and it's interesting to think about why they were made actually.
A fair chance? Suuure.
I believe the implication here is, not only that Louis is just exceptionally charmed by Lestat personally, but that vampires are innately bewitching[ in a way which is unnatural by human standards of charm but perhaps absolutely inherent to vampires themselves...or, at very least, to Lestat].
Who needs Tom Cruise? Sam Reid is already a legend in this role after only two episodes. I can't imagine anyone to live up to this weird and intense performance. Holy crap. This is what I call a Lestat. He embodies the character, no matter the plot changes.
I'm getting the impression that another thing carrying over from the books is Louis being an unreliable narrator. Might be giving the show too much credit, but I think Louis repeatedly telling Daniel how in love he was while we never see him show any affection to Lestat at all is on purpose. But is Louis only trying to convince Daniel, or is he also trying to convince himself? I will say the idea of Louis not hating Lestat, but being indifferent to him, is in a way worse. Indifference is the true opposite of love.
Yh i caught that too. We hear Lestat describe Louis as "thoughtful and loving" but i was thinking what? To his family, maybe? But to Lestat? Louis has been nothing but insufferable
@@freddyjafar1490 Lestat is walking around killing people for singing badly. That's pretty insufferable too.
@@ninetimesaday allegedly He Kills only evil people so maybe that was some truly evil singing lol
Even in the books, where he Claims to only kill the evil doers i was Like.... Im Not Sure you have the best grasp on whats good and evil, my Dude.... Maybe Switch careers
I think some of it is also Louis doesn't know how to be a loving partner to Lestat or anyone else. He didn't have the chance. A few years isn't enough time to undo his lifetime of hiding that part of himself.
@@jensplaining oh boy can we all relate! Especially those in the lgbt community who were the experiments or firsts of others. Lestat has already been through his sexual awakening. Louis is only just starting and I cannot wait for them to meet each other in 2022. The drama and the blood.
I'm imagining Maven watching the TV Show at night, pausing, skipping, rewinding, with all the books in her bed, making notes and even a board in the wall. If I had the time I'd be doing that lol, but Maven thank you SO, so, so much for this work you do. I won't hesitate to become a patron in whatever platform you use as soon as I can, your work brings joy to many of us.
Hi ! You're reviews are so helpfull to understand the details in the episodes (even at the first one). As a native french lady, I did'nt catched all those important wee elements because I haven't got the english subtitles yet ! Thank you for all your videos about the VC universe, I thought I was the only girl obsessed about this horrible and lovable couple when I was 16-17!
Now, five years later, I am very pleased about the show, even with the drastic changes, and I hope it will continue well :)
Bonne soirée
Hello! What do you think of Lestat's accent? Is it authentic? It suffices for me and passes pretty well although in some scenes i hear it slipping but that's just my nitpicky side. Overall, i love it!
@@freddyjafar1490 Curious about this too. I know a good deal of French, myself, but I'm not a native speaker (I'm American).
Hello, I think doing the french accent can be à bit difficult for english speakers, but I think the actor is doing it well ! :) I like the fact that he says some little words in french as well, it sounds naturally. I think his method for doing this accent is that he's decompose more the words, it is for that he speaks à bit slowly, and it makes the "r" french sound appeared à bit for example
I believe Louis' "outburst" that he apologizes for is at the very final moment of episode 1 - he starts to cry when he was talking about his turning. I took it as his promising he wouldn't let his emotions slip again (which, knowing Louis and what is to come in his story.. seems like a very big ask!!)
Wrong.
It’s about the last / 1st time He was interviewed. When he got upset and attacked Daniel for “not having learned anything” and disappeared like the final scene in the film. It’s relived briefly in beginning of ep.1 on the tapes when he arrives to Louis pad.
@@crokkadoodledoo9956 that doesn't make much sense when he's apologizing for "earlier" ie the previous conversation in ep1, but you do you!
@@crokkadoodledoo9956 Yeah i have to agree with @Ashley McCammon to a point. One of Louis is flaws is he doesn't like that his illusion of Masculinity is being shown. Like how he threatened is brother outside one of his business because he was afraid that would make him look weak. It bothered him he did it but it was better than looking weak.
actually what i would love to see is Lestat as a Rock star i hope they do not update that what could he be in the year 2022? like a Logan Paul kinda Guy, help.
or maybe they play around with the time line that lestat had been a rockstar in the 80s, then disappeared.
They could make him an Elon Musk.
2022 Rock Star Lestat and his band is just Måneskin. I cant see him being other way.
@@JaviTruloveSims that woulod be a match made in heaven
For Anyone familiar with the books, movies, or this property at all. AMC has a IWTV: Behind the Scenes video on CZcams. It's 42min & 5sec. In it, they couldn't be more clear on what their ideas and directions are. It's super helpful if some of those things are confusing. At the very least it adds wonderful perspective. Hint: A lot of time has passed between Louis first interview and this one. What book would this Louis even be from? 🙂 I believe that Anne Rice created the modern vampire lore of our time, and Lestat is the new Dracula. There are a zillion different kinds of Dracula stories and no one gets mad. Because he is a legend. I truly hope that we allow ourselves to believe that Lestat is that too. That our grandchildren will have entirely different Lestat stories. So.. stay open, ride the ride, and let's campfire this story.
I totally agree.
Nonono.
Rashid didn't say Louis is a god. He said he served god and that is an honor. He may be referring to some other vampire to whom Louis is a guest.
I’m still watching the review (about halfway through) but I have to pause and ask why the cynicism regarding how the show is handling race? I would like to know your opinion on it because after watching 1.5 of the recaps it feels as if you don’t think Louis as a Black man works because the power dynamics and additional implications introduced. Personally I do think it’s a new and interesting angle. It might be uncomfortable but imo even if Louis remained white there would still be issues around racism that would need to be addressed.
As a black man I think I can answer that! Let's start with the Obvious: How do you think it would look to have a black man as a plantation slave owner? Now granted there have been historical instances of this but it was VERY RARE. Now think about the line in which Louis who was white in the book says I am a slave to this man. What kind of context is it now when you have a black man saying it? Let's not forget that this is 1910 new orleans in which African American prospects thanks to the black codes and of course Jim crow. So what kind of power dynamic do you think they will have or will be at play when whatever status black Louis has at the discretion of still very white Lestat ?
In case you didn't get it, this is a very lopsided power dynamic in almost every way in which it is Lestat that holds all of the power which was and still is very indicative of a white male dominated patriarchal society.
To me this show and their handling of race is a stark reminder that white liberals can be and are just as racist as white conservatives. In my opinion a white Liberal's racism is more harmful because they think they are doing a good thing. Just look at this show: they cast a black man as a diversity shield against criticism then step head long into in the guise of being "progressive" but casting him in the role of a pimp, which somehow is better than him being a slave owner I suppose, then inadvertently highlight just how much power the white guy has over the brother.
@@williamjones3534 To be fair, this show is actually doing something with the race swap, which is more than can be said for most media that does it. I don't mind that there's a power imbalance in their relationship. There always was, even in the books, and sometimes that's just the case. Can famous people only date other famous people? Can cops not date normal civilians? Can the rich only date the rich?
@@StrawberryShorty I might be willing to agree with you if this were not such an epidemic on Hollywood's part. This is a lazy way to introduce diversity rather than original characters with original IP. Also there were so many other characters this actor could have played. When I look at him I see cayman from the books. This is also a cheap racist ploy by Hollywood where they race swap call it diversity and if anyone protest then they call those people who do bigots. From my point of view this is no different from what Hollywood did back in the day where they had white actors playing ethnic characters. Now it's white white characters essentially wearing black face. The 1st thing that should make alarm Bells go off is the fact that they shut Christopher rice out of the project. The 2nd which goes with the 1st is if you look at the story essentially this is nothing more than then A generic vampire series with Ann rice interview of the vampire slapped on. Sure they throw in references or Easter eggs to say it is interviewed of the vampire but it's not. This is also something very problematic in Hollywood. They too great they take original or beloved eye peas yes and then essentially slap essentially slap that name on something that bears no resemblance to what people loved For various reasons be it agenda or if they believe what they have won't sell On its own merit
right she comes off so sarcastic and rude when referencing louis's obstacles with his race in this time "a win for black pimps everywhere" was so unserious and clearly mocking the story
@@williamjones3534 yes, it's a lopsided power dynamic. So what? It would be precisely the same if Louis were white. And are black character NEVER allowed to be in abusive relationships, or lopsided power dynamics? What?
And yes, black people participated in the enslavement, selling, buying, and ownership of black people as slaves. It was almost 100% Africans who enslaved each other and sold them to the white men, it was relatively rare that black people owned slaves, but yes it happened. Okay, so our main character isn't allowed to have this in his family history? What??
I consider the tonal shift, the dead blood thing, and flying might be an indicator of an unreliable narrator. This is how Louis remembers it, not the actual truth of events. You can also consider the Dead Blood thing being this is what Lestat believes at this point. He doesn't know better either.
A "Rembrandt" mention can also be an easter egg for The witches of Mayfair's own Rembrandt.
I like to think Louis is just a bit mushy and wanted to own a painting by Lestat's favorite artist
Louis telling his 3 times that Lestat had a way about him didn't read to me as the show not trusting the audience. Lesta't's charms was already established in episode 1. He had to be as charming to us the audience as he was to Louis for us to make it past that episode. I read the repitition more as Louis trying to downplay his own feelings for Lestat and instead, pass off his actions as Lestat charming him, refusing to take ownership of his own feelings towards Lestat.
I think, just like a bunch of all the other passive aggressive conclusions and claims you're making, you're just projecting unto the series because you're stuck in the books instead of accepting this series as the reimagining it is supposed to be. You book purists have the books. The series doesn't take away from it.
Given the more dynamic give and take going on in this series... I suspect Louis and LeStat are going to be balancing each other out...
Louis clearly still respects humanity but doesn't let it drive him to near death levels of starvation anymore... while I suspect LeStat will grow to value humanity more.
I think they're going for this kind of dynamic as an easier sell with the network and well... so far, to me... they are maintaining the spirit of the books
I think it's another change that makes sense with Louis being black. His way of respecting humanity is going to be different as someone whose humanity was so often disrespected and ignored.
I actually like the show and how different it is from the book 💯
Same
me too ^^ it's fun to see what changes and remains
I guess you didn't read the books. What you're watching ain't Anne Rice.
@@williamjones3534 they literally said that they like it despite how different it is from the books.
@@datekaname2246 who does?
Your commentary on this series is amazingly in depth and much appreciated.
Eh immensely enjoying the show personally but i get the corner of ppl being mad it isn't a 100% adaptation it is what it is though
It feels like the show is trying to eat it’s cake and have it too, with conflicting ideas. They want Lestat as more humane like in the later novels while also making him antagonistic. They want Louis and Lestat’s romance to be more genuine and happy but also have the drama and plot beats from the original book. They want Louis to be empowered but also regretful. At this point it feels like they’re backpedaling on elements to make the characters more palatable in a way. Such as Louis being a good vampire out to write this book as noble act and having the rest of vampiredom as monsters. Like they don’t want to commit to having the leads as monsters. It’s okay for Louis to enjoy these powers and be a vampire since he’s such a good person deep down!
then dont watch it lol. yall got 10+ books and hella content depciting the story exactly the way you want it. let us have this adaption jeez
I still don't recognize these characters as being the ones from book or even the movie. I'd like it much more if they had just created their own vampire story. Sending a telepathic message isn't the same as reading someone's mind. It's more like broadcasting instead of receiving or probing.
Same, i've read iwtv multiple times and i find this show so...strange. tv show!louis and book!louis are totally different characters
thank god for all these great changes that elevate the story to a new audience.. would never be able to sympathize with a slave platation owner louis whining about love and hummanity for a whole season while literally benefitting off chattel slavery. glad they saw how racist the book was and decided to fix that. best show of 2022!!
i love the gleeful sarcasm of this channel's review of the show. no other channel seems to be calling out all the blatant book changes that anne rice would have hated which the audience is now eating up.
The audience overall seems to like the changes, so that was the point of making them
@@emd1646
it's so weird seeing all the acceptance in the lore changes. i don't recognize the books in this show.
Rice (and her son) was a producer of the show. I'm curious what did she actually think about the script.
@@Kinestezja
ikr. but being producers doesn't really mean they can have all the artistic influence they want over the show.
i do wonder what they actually think of the direction of the show. so far, christopher still hasn't endorsed the show publicly and it's quite unsettling for me.
I don't really care what Ann would think, she long dead, and the show isn't bad for a reimanging.
Anyone else feeling kinda annoyed that the source material is being used as Easter eggs instead of.... well..... The story? It's like the recent Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
My other theory: if TOTBT gets adapted, they will combine David Talbot and Daniel Mallory into one character. Instead of Danny boy finding Armand and going insane, Daniel now finds Lestat, falls in love, cue Body Thief.
Makes totally sense!
That’s not what they’re doing.
I was thinking about that as well !
It's possible, especially since that Marius Easter egg got thrown in as early as Ep. 2. But I'm still one of those who will miss Daniel and Armand's interaction if it's not used in this show. Daniel was very relatable. And Armand's toxic behavior reflects how some people who experience abuse grow up to treat others abusively. Armand doesn't really learn because a lot of his loved ones end up back in his life eventually no matter how bad their interaction was.
I still think they'll do some type of Daniel and Armand relationship (which will happen during the adaptation of Queen of the Damned, which I think Louis telling Daniel about Vampires wanting to come out of hiding was a total setup for), but, somehow, Daniel will body-swap before he's finally turned, which will setup TOTBT, which is supposed to come after TQOTD anyway.
I like this breakdowns but I feel you are not enjoying this AT ALL
I am liking your review of the show, but I must admit I don’t agree with some of your nitpicking. However, I will continue to watch. I’m a longtime follower of your channel and that won’t change. 👍🏾
08:06 I was never buying it in the books. Lestat's portrayal in the first book is so much different than in the next ones I felt this is completely different character. In the "Interview" he was a jerk and it felt much more real and fitting than saint-awesome-mary-sue-Lestat from the continuation (and prequel). I'm glad they didn't make him a "I love humanity and kill only bad people" guy in the tv series... at least for now.
Okay, glad you were confused about the outburst line like I was.
Cannot believe we haven't see a ton of bougainvillea in the shots. considering how much Anne loved to describe bougainvillea in her books 🤣
No matter how bad this show gets, I really enjoy your recap/review/analysis!! Thanx!!!
I was being the book loyalist during this EP at first too, then I told myself that some things need to be changed to appeal to non Anne rice fans. I wish their penises worked so that I could see some real vamp action. But alas, looks like they're sticking to that. As for why Lestat could talk using telepathy, I took it as he could communicate with him mentally, but could no longer read his thoughts. The 1994 movie also portrayed Lestat as someone who didn't see humans as equals and he was very callous. Remember the piano teacher and dress seamstress and Slaves. What about the whole families Lestat and Claudia killed off. I think it's in the book too. So, I don't feel like they're straying too far off Lestat's personality. Like Lestat didn't care that Claudia killed innocent ppl, only that she left them in the house to rot. He wouldn't have cared if Louis had killed Claudia that night, a child. Remember Lestat mocking Louis when he'd caught him with Claudia? Or how he danced with the mother's corpse? Lestat's a charming asshole.. So, the series is capturing that aspect IMO.
I think I kind of like your channel I'm not sure yet the review is very informative though it leaves me feeling as though you don't really appreciate the work it's somewhat seems very con
descending I don't know if you want us to watch the show and enjoy it or are you making fun of it and saying it's a bad show but thank you for the hard work and making the video anyway as I don't believe too many of the other reviews have actually read the book series.
I wonder if Lestat becomes a Rock star already, or at the same time as Louis publishing Interview in this universe.
All i want is for this show to do well enough that they can give us The Vamipre Lestat show. Sam Reid is a great cast. He is my favorite so far.
I am so excited for your channel to benefit from this!
35:10 it's always awkward when prey becomes predator. Higher stature but no turning back. When the crowd becomes the herd, can a fox guard the chicken coop?
Regarding Louis' different reaction to having powers; I think this is a change based on Louis in the books being a privileged slave holder. Rejecting power early on makes sense to show a character shift for someone who has had power over humans already. (I also think it was a way for Anne Rice to avoid the more complicated conversations about race that she continually avoided through the series.)
The show Louis has a much more complicated relationship with privilege and power as an affluent Black man who both has some power over others but is also demeaned and dehumanized his entire life. I think it makes sense for THIS Louis to enjoy the new powers at first; though I expect he'll change his mind on that over time.
I also think he's being extra disgusting with his eating in front of Daniel on purpose to prove a point about being a vampire, but I could be wrong about that.
I agree with you completely! And if the show had been consistent about following that throughline of logic for its new version, it would have worked. But then it keeps trying to pull Louis back to matching his self-loathing-vampire angst issues from the book, and it just doesn't make sense with the way they set him up.
I’m so thrilled that season 2 is green lit!
VERY small disagreement here: I think Louis objects to being called "fledgling," because it sounds too close to "boy," but you got the right sentiment. Thanks for all the book insights 👍🏾💕
I loved the eps and loved your reviews hahahaha going to follow both.
Your analysis definitely improved over time! Adaptation equals taking creative license because the resulting material is based upon the referenced art.
I think one thing that bothers me is Daniel is a terrible interviewer. it is okay to be a hard hitting reporter, BUT being adversarial works against getting info you want.
Also, at this point I accepted that this series adaptation - reshaped Louis and Lestat's personality beyond repair, they are at this point original characters that bear only name and some character backstory of their book counterparts. I don't mind, I enjoy seeing reimagining, but then it's jarring when script uses original Louis and Lestat words.
Do you like the show? I was pretty happy to have Lestat back in the world and trying to have faith that core elements would remain intact. You're ruining the show for me. Lol. You have some good points. I wanted the lore of "the cloud gift" to survive and definitely noticed that. Also, the "little drink" didn't come up until Tale of the Body Thief I'm pretty sure when Lestat was hunting murderers in Miami. I love the relationship between David and Lestat and the Tiger dreams. I don't understand how you don't love David. I appreciate you holding the show accountable. I'm hoping to love it and not get "Game of Thrones'd" by it
I'm pretty sure they said at comic con that the show is set after the first 3 books. So queen of the Damned has already happened to louis so he's more in the know. Which opens up the question of how the show will continue. Will this interview continue on after the first book? Will he tell Daniel about lestat's 80s now forgotten rock career and the rise of Akasha or will the narrator change every season or two with lestat, David, Armand etc. I'm also interested about his modern day "great convergence" Louis was talking about. Was it an throwaway line or an set up for an modern day subplot.
I don't see any inherent problem of Louis being a subordinate vampire and also happening to be black. What's the connection? He'd be a subordinate if white. Are black characters not allowed to ever be subordinates to white ones? I just don't get it.
Is it really Anne Rice's "Interview With the Vampire," though?
Can't watch the show bc I live in Europe, hoping to get the opportunity to watch it in the next few months, so right now I'm very thankful for your reviews.
I think the bit about the slave and master thing will be brought up again and again. Louis won't see it the way it is so easy in the show, seeing as he joined Lestat in Vampirism because he was over the day-to-day racism in his own life. It must suck to see how nothing fundamentally changed while being in a relationship with Lestat, despite it feeling that way. That argument about the term fledgling I think will be reiterated.
I think so too. Louis said yes in part to escape the limitations of his race. That didn't happen. It couldn't. His long life will let him be more than would be possible, but 7 year vampire Louis's anger and frustration are understandable and expected. He can't drain everyone who disrespects him.
OMG!!! When they mention one of the painting by Marius de Romanus I scream in my pillow. Because Marius is my all time favorite character. I love his story in Blood and Gold novel. I would love to learn from Marius and sire me as well. He is such a beautiful person. I am loving the show.
When you become a vampire, can I interview you?
How could Louis in Interview with the Vampire (1994) 🎞 be so confident that Count Dracula is only a fictional account of a demented Irish man ❓ perhaps the King of the Vampires doesn’t feel he needs to introduce himself to every Vampire that visits Transylvania or perhaps the Count was out of town when Louis & Claudia visited his native land⁉️
Long time fan of your work! Thanks for your thoughts /recaps.
I'm loving this show but I've never read the books so that's my perspective :)
Enjoy and be well
You're giving me life!!!
I don't think she show _is_ trying to say that any of the toxicity in Lestat and Louis' relationship actually *_is_* okay, at all. I think the implication here is that Louis has over-corrected, from the original interviews where he only focused on the bad in Lestat, now he is focusing only on the best as if looking at Lestat and their relationship through rose-colored lenses.
(But, also, that perhaps in this version Lestat actually doesn't see Louis as a slave to him..at least not any more than Lestat himself is also a slave to Louis in Lestat's own mind?)
I think the show is trying to tell us that the actual truth, in fact, lies somewhen _between_ the first book and the second book. ^^
🤷♀️🤷♀️ 🤷♀️
Lestat is so gorgeous 😍
Maybe the outburst was from the first interview he had with him. Maybe Daniel don't remember it, but Louie does. Daniels brain/memories fade with time while Louie's doesn't.
Poor Maven. "And now I must explain ANOTHER massive change."
That isn't just any Rembrandt. It's The Storm on the Sea of Galilee that was stolen in 1990 from the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and has never been recovered. It's Rembrandt's only known seascape.
The Great Conversion? I cut it off before that revelation. LMAOooo 🙄🙄🤔😂🤣🤣
The outburst was the blood tear.
does Elisa like the show or not? I honestly can’t tell
Elle paraît avoir un peu de mal à comprendre qu'une adaptation n'est pas tenue d'être religieusement fidèle à chaque ligne d'une œuvre mais se doit d'être cohérente avec elle-même avant tout.
I interpreted the repetition of "he had a way about him" as underlining this charm was not natural, that it transcended human charms in an indescribable way. It may have literally, in which case how can you portray this on the screen? You can have him convince someone of something irrational, but he can mentally command mortals, and the distinction of charming and commanding is blurred. Conversely, maybe there was nothing supernaturally charming, but the love Louis feels puts his experience on a pedestal, and it's simply Louis is so moved by Lestat he feels his descriptions cannot do it justice.
As a queer black man myself, I think this show did a masterful job of highlighting racial power dynamics and imbalances that don't just go away just because the dark gift is bestowed/thrust upon oneself. Luise made it a point to remind LeStat of his privilege even though LeStat basically used his faux allyship as a means to woo Luise in the first place. Reminds me of many present-day interracial relationships.
In the AMC behind the scenes they say that the events of the first 5 books have happened so timeline wise it adds up that Louis knows who Marius is already. As fan theories go, I’m liking the idea that this isn’t even Louis home where the interview is taking place, but Armand’s. Which going off the idea that Daniel and Armand have already met and had their romance, it could be an interesting twist to see that Armand, having found out about Daniel having Parkinson and wants to reconnect ( even though he treated him horribly)
I wonder if they are going to show that Daniel is actually talking to Lestate and not Louie this whole time.
Fuck! That would fuck with my mind. The Lestat praise and defense would make sense!
omg this broke my brain
🤔🙄🙄
The choice that confuses me the most is this being an interview redo. What's wrong with it being the "original" interview, just in modern times if that's when they want it to be? We don't really know what Louis said in the "original" interview that was different (clearly, with this being a different story, it wouldn't just be the book). It's a pretty pointless change. Lestat's cruelty towards humans that later books retcon could be explained simply saying, it's Louis's perspective and maybe Lestat could re-explain all of that in a later season or something, but if he's still just as cruel (arguably more) as he came off in the initial book, it being a redo doesn't make sense.
It is a slightly ODD change, and I mention it in my own video for the first episode, I think. It's like they're trying to tie it into the original story and make it a follow up, but his appears to be a different Louis than in the book. Maybe it's all building up to some kind of crazy twist? This interview redo has to be for a reason.
@@StrawberryShorty Yeah, that's what I'm hoping. At this point, it seems kind of pointless, but I hope there's an explanation given.
@@GothMusicLatinAmerica Like, they can't end it the way it did in the book, because that seems to have been the ending of the original interview.
Didn't Lestat say something previously about loving Louis' smile? So..when he turns and sees Louis smiling, _of course_ he's thrilled!
Yesss Lestat LOVES Louis's smile! And it's so rare and special to see!
@@MavenoftheEventide I thought that was actually a nice little bit of continuity/example of actually showing what's been said in-action too and not just saying it. ^^
Rasheed I think was a servant of a female vampire called Udoxia from the book Blood and Gold. Marius kills Udoxia and her servants though. Spellings of the names are probably wrong so hope you can understand. :)
I'm with the other commenters who are saying being able to project a thought into each other's minds is probably being considered a totally separate feat from actually reading whatever other thoughts that are or aren't already there in Louis' mind. I can fully understand why they might make this distinction, here-or maybe they were implying that Louis was still in the process of changing, so perhaps not totally closed off to Lestat's mind yet?. 🤔🤔 🤷♀️😅
Don't forget in the movie Claudia says "I killed them of course, Laudinum is slows the heart"- Claudia De 'Lioncourt
I literally had to pause when you said Lestat was telepathically communicating with Louis... The ENTIRE POINT of Lestat's ENTIRE JOURNEY as a vampire is that those he loves and turns can no longer hear his thoughts! He is isolated from Gabrielle, from Nicky, from Louis... it's what made Armand seem like a worthy lover for a split second. NO.
I think that casting Lewis as black has changed the dynamic in a much bigger way than expected. To be clear, Lewis has always seen whites as oppressors, and just because he has feelings for Lesat. Doesn't take that away. In the books and movies, Lewis was equal and in certain ways had an advantage over Lesat. Money was a driving force that Lewis had over him, not anymore. I think they are trying to find ways to not have the white savior troupe take over the story. I think as the season goes on we are gonna see more an more changes to kanon. This is the early 1900s, race is part of literally everything.
I'm enjoying the unreliable narrator aspect of the show. Louis says he's ready to be more honest after 50 years of thinking on the answers he gave originally, but both him and Daniel seem to have more confessions to make. I'm bracing for some big reveals in later episodes: perhas the real details of his story (maybe he did eat the baby!), or perhaps another motivation for the interview (making amends with Lestat?).
The one thing that was strangely missing in this episode was physical intimacy. I didn't need to see Lestat's naked butt again, but I did need to see them cuddled up in his coffin on that first night. And a kiss, or a rejection of one, to show us how open Louis is or isn't about these things in private. Romance is pretty much our main plotline, after all, and we're spending so much time defining their relationship dynamics.
This is like Watchmen for me. It's making big changes but I enjoy the story it's telling,especially as a Black and gay and southern man. There are lots of things from the books I'd love to see honored ,like how the vampires have to redefine meaning for themselves ,and the lore for how they function, but I can't deny I'm greatly enjoying what they're doing.
The interracial thing is probably the one thing I could do without just because black queer men being paired with white partners overwhelmingly in media inadvertently implies our orientation is exclusive of our blackness, but I want Lestat left book accurate so...🤷🏾♂️ I'm glad they address their racial dynamic at least.