What We Do in the Shadows - Film Reivew

fig.1 film poster

“What We Do in the Shadows” is a 2014 comedy directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The film follows four vampires in documentary style footage. It centres itself on observing on how the traditional vampire fits into modern society. The use of documentary style footage in this fashion can be referred to as a mockumentary, essentially a documentary based on fictional events.

This allows the camera to follow rather odd and supernatural situations which opening up new ways to create comedic effect. This ‘what if’ scenario would not have the same success that it does without the use of wild imagination. It is simply absurd to think that blood sucking vampires mange to cooperate in a rational house share, the modest home acts as a contrast to the castles and mansions that we normally associate to the creature. “What We Do in the Shadows” has a serious, informative tone that is held throughout, reflecting the nature of a documentary. Normally this is used to convey insight into rare spectacles and present new knowledge. In terms of “What We Do in the Shadows” there is no exception (although the footage is fictional).

The film represents the concept that a good idea is more important than funding and is done so exceedingly well. Jokes are well thought out and perfectly timed often reflecting the difficulty with the vampires’ ability to adapt to the modern world. At the end of the day the directors are able to make good effect of the concept as the story remains relatively simple. These collective beings have a simple of task of taking each day as it goes. Without the supernatural factors the story could be described as normal (maybe even plain).

The use of camera crews operating on a closer level gives insight to a rather dark, gory if not creepy world of vampires. As a result, film makers are able to set up satirical and macabre jokes ensured to challenge anyone’s perception of the mythical creature. The design of the characters has them retaining their old eccentric clothes. Alongside their wardrobes their mind set is also out-dated requiring the assistance of servants which breaks down the powerful and fearful image that a vampire might have once held.

“While one vamp uses a modern convenience like eBay to "do my dark bidding," the rest rely exclusively on their limited intelligence and human servants. So it's only fitting that they've only recently become the subjects of a "Real World"-style reality show documentary.” (Abrams, 2015) 

This comes out as amusing as an audience can relate to the characters to some degree. What the characters go through are mostly tasks that ordinary including washing dishes, having house meetings and going to clubs. These experiences are amplified with extraordinary elements adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The characters themselves are presented in an amusing manor and develop as the story progresses making it easy for the audience to sympathise with them. The primary vampire Viago seeks love but also cannot stand mess, ironically creating one whenever he feeds. 

fig.2 Viago after feeding on his 'guest'

With a relatively small budget of 1.6 million US dollars the film was able to make a profit of 6.9 million and earn a number of critic’s approval.

Bibliography

Abrams, S. (2015). WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. [Online] Available at:  https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-2015 [Accessed: 17/01/18]

Illustration list

Fig.1 film poster [Online] Available at: https://d32qys9a6wm9no.cloudfront.net/images/movies/poster/18/185e48a43c7f63acf74b1bd58827b510_500x735.jpg [Accessed: 17/01/18]

Fig.2 Viago after feeding on his ' guest' [Online] Available at: https://moviesfilmsandflix.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-blood.jpg [Accessed: 17/01/18]