VIDAR THE VAMPIRE

Film Review by FIORE

Though it is listed in the horror genre, VIDAR THE VAMPIRE plays as a comedy, but one eliciting only minor chuckles in attempting to be culturally satirical.  The script serves as a scathing derision of Christianity and sacrifices all else for this single purpose. 

Vidar is played by Thomas Aske Berg.  As penchant for Indie films, he is also writer, director and musical scorer.  He is a backward farm boy, who since his teen years, prays to God for a better life, one that takes him away from the farm and inserts him into the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  God never answers his prayers, but at age 33, something else does.  A vampire, played by Brigt Skrettingland, poses as Jesus and introduces Vidar to the dark side through an act of fellatio patterned after the Sacrament of Communion.  Jesus continually appears to Vidar, helping him adjust to his new life by equating vampirism to basic tenants of Christianity.  We learn all this, while Vidar is in session with a psychiatrist, played by Kim Sonderholm, much in the vein of Ann Rice’s INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE, though not as terrifying.  

Perhaps comedy is not Berg’s forte.  The incessant rantings of Jesus are more vitriol than jocular.  Vidar’s realization of the confines of his own personality, despite having the powers of the undead, are depressing rather than droll.  Again, borrowing from Rice, Vidar forgoes biting his victims on the neck, for their genitals.  A scene in which he awakens from his sleep, choking on a feminine hygiene product lacks any of the five basic comedy aspects and is just disgusting.   Also starring are Marit Sanden and Martha Kristine Kastad.   

Horror comedies are certainly a viable film genre.  Mel Brooks and the Wayan and Abrams Brothers have done it with aplomb.  Likewise, films that turn a humorous eye towards religion are also possible; think here Monty Python.  But Berg accomplishes neither in VIDAR THE VAMPIRE due to his obvious abhorrence towards Christianity. In his attempt to deliver the message, he strays from solid filmmaking principles.  The film is Norwegian, but even allowing for cultural differences, it does not fit comfortably in either the horror or comedy genre.

VIDAR THE VAMPIRE will appeal only to those who, for whatever reason, hate Christianity in any form.  It is currently available on Video on Demand and home video.