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Issue 39 / 2012
DARK SHADOWS 11th MAY 2012
Abiding by the time-honoured logic of "if it ain't broke, don't recast it", Tim Burton's sixth collaboration with Johnny Depp sees the kooky duo take on beloved cult TV oddity Dark Shadows.
For those unfamiliar with the original 1966 series, Shad- ows was a camp, melodramatic soap opera that broke new ground by introducing vampire Barnabas into the lives of the Collins family, a disparate bunch with more secrets than you could shake a crucifix at. Burton remains true to this set-up, and his adoration for the series is obvi- ous as we meet young Barnabas (Depp) growing up in Maine in the 1700s. As the wealthy, womanizing head of Collinwood Manor, it seems Barnabas has pushed his luck when scorned housemaid Angelique (Eva Green) turns out to be a witch, cursing and condemning him to life as a vampire – as well as burying him 'alive' for a couple of centuries. It isn't until 1972 that he emerges from his grave, confused and in search of his once glorious manor. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to the manor or his living descendants, headed by matriarch Elizabeth Col- lins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) and complete with butler
(understandable) and a full-time, live-in psychiatrist (eh?).
Much of the fun comes from Barnabas's attempts to ad- just not only to a brand new century, but also to his clan. The comedic slant demonstrated in the trailer is still pres- ent and effective, but Burton also takes quick forays into horror – our hero is still a vampire, lest we forget – and of course nods to the gothic tone of the original series. Depp is perfect as Barnabas, effortlessly sailing between the scripts many tones. Somewhat less expected is Pfeiffer's majestic performance as the new head of Collinwood, her relentless familial concern adding heart to the comedic mayhem. Green's Angelique also makes quite an impres- sion, especially towards the films revenge-driven climax – a rapturous ending that comfortably adds 'Action' to the films sizable list of embraced genres.